The Phantom Limb Read Online Free Page A

again? But Vera was coherent; how could he refuse?
    She wanted any bills that had collected and also her checkbook, the piano technique book she was reading, her music magazines, some cosmetics, and her glasses. It would all fit in his bicycle basket. Isaac sighed and said, “OK.”
    When he reached the hospital, he again walked up the six flights of stairs.
    When he got to Vera’s floor, he was relieved to see a friendly face. Candi greeted him pleasantly at the nurses’ station. “No school today?” she asked.
    â€œMom called and said she needed some stuff from home. She doesn’t seem so out of it today. I figured I could help her and then go to school a little late.”
    â€œYes, fortunately Dr. Ciano decided your mother didn’t need to be so sedated anymore.” Candi smiled, and her voice softened. “Is that a book about piano playing?” she asked, looking at the pile of things he held in his arms.
    â€œYeah,” he said.
    â€œDon’t forget to—”
    â€œI know. Wash my hands,” Isaac interrupted her, and they both laughed.
    Today Vera sat propped up in her narrow hospital bed, not dozing the way she was the last time. But now she had tubes in both of her hands. Dr. Ciano was there, standing on the other side of the bed. She was adjusting the new IV.
    â€œIze!” Vera said with a big smile. She was like a whole different person. “It’s great to see you. Thanks so much for bringing my things.”
    â€œWait a minute. I have to wash my hands.” He put her stuff down on the bedside table.
    Dr. Ciano looked up from the new IV line for a moment. “Oh, a book about piano playing,” she said. “I studied piano for a little while, but I wasn’t any good at it. My brother was, though.” She sighed. “OK, all done.” She left the room without another word, but with her forced half smile.
    Isaac took off his jacket and sat in the chair next to the bed. “What’s happening?” he asked, looking around the room.
    â€œOh, you know. Always lots of fun around here.” Vera rolled her eyes. She wasn’t as sedated, but she still seemed a little loopy. “What about your breakfast? Did you eat?” she asked him. “There’s a café down in the lobby.”
    â€œI made eggs. And guess what? When I got up, Grandpa was down there waiting, and he actually asked about you.”
    â€œReally?” Vera said.
    There was a knock on the door. It was Dr. Ciano again. She walked toward the bed.
    â€œOh. Hello again, Dr. Ciano,” Vera said nervously.
    Isaac noticed that the doctor didn’t wash her hands when she came in, which he found strange. Hestood up so she could sit in the chair next to the bed. But instead she remained standing, leafing through a sheaf of papers. “You may not remember,” she said to Vera, “but when you were admitted, we did an EEG. The EEG had some abnormalities, so I’d like to do some more extensive tests, like an MRI—just in case.”
    â€œAbnormalities? What kind of abnormalities?” Isaac asked.
    â€œThey could be anything, really, but I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”
    â€œOh,” Isaac said, glancing quickly at his mother.
    Dr. Ciano looked at him. “What day is it? Shouldn’t you be in school?”
    â€œMy mother asked me to bring her some stuff,” Isaac said, snapping at the doctor.
    â€œIsaac,” Vera said, eyeing him. “Don’t be rude.”
    Dr. Ciano turned her attention back to Vera. “I’ll be keeping you on the IVs until we have a better sense of what’s wrong. I have to go now, but ring for one of the nurses if you need anything.”
    â€œWhen will you be back?” Isaac asked.
    â€œI may be going to an out-of-state conference soon, but don’t worry—I’m always around,” the doctor said, and left the room.
    â€œShe’s kind