Chapter 58. Worry
Atlanta, Georgia. Home of Charlie Winston.
Teddy Winston sat with his grandmother on the couch and listened to the President’s speech about closing the borders.
“Grandma, what are they saying?
“They’re saying that no one can come into the country right now, because they’re worried that people might be sick, and if they come into the country, they could get more people sick-- people like you and me.”
“But Daddy is out of the country, isn’t he?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Are they going to let Daddy back in?”
“Eventually they will. I think this is only a temporary thing.”
“When will they let Daddy back in?”
“I don’t know,” said the grandmother.
“Will he be able to see my award ceremony for Best D.A.R.E. poster?”
“I am not sure honey, I hope so. But if he cannot get back in time, I am sure your mother will tape it, and Daddy can see it when he gets back.”
Teddy slid himself from the couch into his wheelchair and rolled himself over to his snake terrarium. He poked with his finger on the glass, staring in silence at his bright green snake.
“You think Daddy will get me a new snake?”
“I’m sure he will if he can, sweetie. Now come with me and let’s get you into bed. That’s enough worrying for one night.” Teddy turned in his chair, and rolled himself into his bedroom. He transferred himself from the wheelchair to the bed, and his grandmother helped lift his legs under the covers. Teddy pulled up the covers to his chin. His grandmother knelt over the bed and kissed his forehead.
“You think Daddy’s gonna be okay?” he asked.
“If I know your father, he is going to be just fine.”
“Why is Mom always working so late now?”
“Your mother has an important job, Teddy. She helps make sure people in the country don’t get sick. And right now, there is a big worry that people might get sick, so they need your mom a lot now, because she is really smart and can help people.”
“I guess so. Will I get sick?”
“Of course not. Now you get to bed now, you hear?”
“Yes, Nanny.” The grandmother went to turn out the light.
“Teddy?”
“Yes, Nanny?”
“Are all those slimy snakes in their cages? Those things scare the life out of me.”
“Yes, Nanny, except for this one!” Teddy threw a white sock at his grandmother, who held her hand to her heart. She laughed at his joke.
“You are a terrible, terrible child. Now good night now.”
“Good night, Nanny.”