Why Did She Have to Die? Read Online Free PDF Page A

bike?”
    “Just scared. The car missed her.”
    Elly sighed, relieved. “I—I’m sorry we went for a ride with him. It was wrong to go without your permission.”
    Mrs. Rowan shushed her and stroked her arm. “We’ll talk about it later, after you’ve had some sleep.”
    Grateful, Elly sighed. She was tired. She thought it was odd that she should be tired after sleeping for a whole week. “I would like to rest some more. Tell Kathy that I’m sorry. Tell her I’ll see her later.”
    Elly felt gentle waves of sleep come over her. She closed her eyes, but not before seeing her parents exchange a long look. They looked sad. It bothered her that she had made them unhappy.

    * * * *

    The next time Elly woke up, a nurse was taking her blood pressure. The tight band squeezed Elly’s upper arm. The nurse stared intently at the gauge. Noticing Elly’s eyes on her, the young woman brightened. “Good morning, Elly. How are you feeling today?”
    “Everything hurts. Where’re my mom and dad?”
    “They should be here soon. They’ve come every day to visit you since your accident.”
    Elly felt overwhelmed by the love she felt for her parents. Tears stung her eyes. “Will I really be all right?”
    The black-haired nurse patted her shoulder and unwrapped the blood pressure cuff. “Yes, you will. Now that you’re conscious, the doctor said we could remove the IVs and start feeding you real food. How does that sound?”
    Suddenly Elly was very hungry. “I’d like a hamburger and a vanilla milkshake.”
    The nurse laughed. “For breakfast?”
    “Well, . . . at least a milkshake.”
    “I’ll put in your order,” the nurse promised. She turned toward the door.
    “Wait,” Elly called. “Do you know my sister Kathy? Is she on this floor?”
    The nurse smiled, but she didn’t meet Elly’s eyes. “As soon as your parents get here, I’ll send them in. They’ll be glad you’re up to having a milkshake.”
    Elly watched her leave, puzzled by her strange response. Maybe Kathy was hurt worse than she was. Maybe she was still unconscious.
    Confused and afraid, Elly twisted toward the window. She was surprised to see the wide windowsill covered with vases of flowers and potted plants. Elly pulled herself up to read the cards and notes that were attached to them.
    “The nurse said you were awake.” Mrs. Rowan came into the room with a beaming smile.
    “Oh, Mom! Are all those for me?”
    “Every one of them. And your friends have flooded the phone lines with calls. This place will be glad to send you home. Then maybe things will get back to normal around here.”
    Home!
For the first time, Elly thought about her house, her bedroom, her clothes. She eyed her cast. She doubted that any of her pants would fit over it. “How am I going to manage with this stupid thing?”
    “There’s a therapist on staff. She’ll be in today to teach you how to use crutches.”
    Elly wrinkled her nose. “How long do I have to wear it?”
    “Six weeks. Maybe eight.”
    “That’s forever!” Elly wailed. “I’ll have it on until school’s out.”
    The door opened again. Mr. Rowan entered. His flannel work shirt was tucked neatly into his jeans. “What’s all this complaining about?”
    Surprised to see him, Elly asked, “Daddy—how come you’re not at work?”
    “What? And not kiss my baby girl good morning? You’ve been asleep for a whole week, honey. I can work anytime.”
    Touched by her dad’s words, Elly blushed. Her dad wasn’t usually so sensitive, but he was acting pretty mushy toward Elly. She decided she must have really scared them by being unconscious for so long.
    Elly glanced from one parent to the other. They looked tense. Elly noticed that her mother kept twisting a tissue in her hands. Elly sensed that something was wrong. “I really am going to be all right?” she asked hesitantly.
    Mrs. Rowan patted Elly’s hand. “
You’re
going to be fine.”
    The emphasis on “you’re” made Elly’s heart