Well This Is Just Swell
Chapter 10: A Visit From The Reverend
Cooter couldn’t get back to sleep when he arrived home from the hospital with Hilery. He must have checked on her at least twenty times since she’d curled up in bed that morning. He was a nervous wreck. Finally, around one o’clock, he made a phone call. There were just some things he didn’t talk to Hilery about, nor the Dukes.
Reverend Frawley showed up half an hour later. Cooter looked rough when he came out of the house to greet him. He hadn’t shaved, and was dressed for comfort in a pair of sweatpants and an old beat-up t-shirt. Wonder of wonders, the shirt still had the sleeves.
“You missed church this mornin’ Cooter. Does it have anything to do with why you asked me to visit?”
Cooter nodded. “Hilery was in the hospital last night.” The reverend waited for him to continue. “I think she has the same thing Ruth had…” The reverend took a deep breath at that revelation.
“Have you told Hilery about …?” Cooter shook his head no. “Is there anywhere we can talk that she won’t overhear?”
“She’s out like a light, but we can talk in the barn.” Cooter told the other man. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” he added.
“Of course.” The reverend replied. Cooter disappeared inside for a few moments, returning with two cups of black coffee. They went to the barn and sat down on some hay bales. Together, they drank the coffee in silence, the good reverend watching Cooter, studying him.
“What makes you believe Hilery has what Ruth had?” he finally asked.
“She’s been… I don’t know how to put it. Swollen? I guess that’s the only way to describe it. And she’s been having the same stomach problems that Ruth had too.”
“Belly problems and swelling can occur for various reasons Cooter.”
“Jimmy, I know… but… last night… her… her tongue swelled up… and …” Cooter took a deep, shaky breath. “Her throat started to swell shut.”
“You didn’t sleep last night, did you?” The reverend asked.
“Only for a little while and only while at the hospital.”
He nodded. “I can just imagine the nightmares you would have had, had you slept at home… and you have every right to be worried Cooter. I remember when Ruth passed and what you went through. I also remember you were the one to find her.”
“Don’t remind me.” Cooter said softly, looking down into his coffee cup. “I spent a long time in the bottle after that Jim. It even caused a failed marriage.”
“I remember, but you have to have faith. Hilery isn’t Ruth, and hopefully, this time they will find what is wrong so you can put that ghost to rest.” Reverend Jimmy P. Frawley said. “Pray with me Cooter.” The reverend stood up and placed a hand on Cooter’s shoulder, and prayed.
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