Broken (Endurance) by April Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

really on her mind.
    "Tell me about it." Max grumbled as he prepared Uriel's bottle.
    "Calvin was telling us that his family is from Aruba," Mei said trying to change her mood.
     
    "Oh yeah, Aruba....  It's beautiful over there and the people are all friendly. I love going to visit his family." Karen fed her daughter as she spoke.
    "Sounds nice," Mei said.
    "Here you go, babe," Max said handing Mei the baby bottle.
    Mei glanced at her husband as she took the bottle and noticed how tired he looked. "Babe, after you finish eating, why don't you go take a nap? I'm rested. I’ll take Uriel with me. Just go and sleep.  You look pretty bad." She softly placed her hand on his cheek.
    "Yeah, I guess I feel pretty bad, too." Max caressed her thigh with a soothing motion.
    "How is that bite on your leg?"
    "It's fine," Mei said pulling away as she nudged the bottle’s nipple into Uriel's mouth.
    The boy settled back into her arms and gripped the bottle with his tiny hands as his eyes stared adoringly at her. 
    Max repositioned himself to look at her wound.
    "Mei!" Max growled.
    She knew what he was going to say. The bite was not fine. An infection had already begun. Mei knew she needed to go to the campus clinic, but she’d been so tired when she’d reached her dorm room. The trek through the forest had exhausted her more than she had thought.  Her intention to shower, change and go to the clinic had quickly been set aside when she’d looked at her inviting bed.  She’d decided to sleep for a few minutes.  The few minutes, however, stretched into a few hours.
    "Oh, my gosh. You got bit?" Karen said.
    "Yeah, by a snake," Mei answered.  She grimaced as Max fingered the tender and swollen skin around the puncture wounds.
     
    "That's serious," Calvin said
    "It's non-venomous," Mei said.
    Max glared at her only a moment before getting to his feet and gathering the plastic plates, utensils and napkins.  He quickly shoved everything onto a tray and turned to find the nearest trashcan.
    "Sorry guys, we have to go to the clinic,” he said with forced politeness. My wife seems to need a shot.”  He turned his angry eyes to Mei.  “Before the infection worsens." He grabbed the baby bag and carefully took Uriel out of her arms, keeping the bottle securely in place. Saying nothing, he turned to leave.
    "My husband tends to be a little overprotective at times. I apologize for his..."
    “Mei!” Max called with impatience.
    Mei shrugged and patted Karen’s shoulder. "It was nice meeting you and your family.  I will see you back at the dorm."
    "Sure."
    "Take care," Calvin said
    "I'll see you around," Max called out to Calvin. He shifted the boy’s weight and waved at the young family.
    Still sucking on his bottle, Uriel offered his own small and awkward wave.  He was otherwise unperturbed by the goings-on.
    Max hurried out of the cafeteria with Mei at his heels.  They’d not even crossed the campus when Uriel drifted off to sleep in his father’s arms.  Mei pulled the bottle from his limp hands and shoved it into the baby bag.  Words of apology and reassurance played on her tongue, but her lips were unable to allow the words to come out .  She knew it would serve no purpose.
    They made it to the clinic and Mei was relieved to see that the waiting room was empty.  Mei was able to see a doctor right away.
     
    “Looks nasty, but it’s not life threatening,” the doctor said.  She worked with efficient hands, cleaning the wound and setting a bandage.  “Good thing you came in when you did, though.  You don’t want to let a little thing like this build up into something that could really do harm.”
    Mei glanced at Max and saw the relief she felt reflected in his eyes.
    “You’ll need some antibiotics.”  She pulled a notepad and pen from her pocket and scribbled a few illegible words before tearing it off and handing it to Mei.”
    “Thanks.”  Mei took the prescription and shoved it into her pocket.
    They