“Hey, there young "un,” said Tom, his weather-beaten face staring down at her. “Take it easy. You"re all right.” Warm, calloused fingers wrapped around her fingers as she sucked a big breath and winced. “You in pain?
She looked at the old man who was her aunt June"s dear friend, and was now her tenant, and nodded. It was good to see a friendly face.
“Hold on then, I"ll get the nurse.”
As his hand pulled away, she grabbed it and whispered, “Don"t go.”
Tom patted her hand. “I"m not going no where"s, don"t you worry "bout that, but you need something to ease your hurting right now.” He slipped his hand out of her grasp and scurried off.
Janet squeezed her eyes shut as another crushing wave rolled up her leg, seizing her breath. Her body stiffened, and she cried out as Tom"s voice drifted
