Harper shrugged. “I’m sorry, but my brother wants to see them too.” He figured that was polite.
She, however, wasn’t finished. “But that’s not fair. He doesn’t even understand what’s going on. I mean, look at him.”
“I wasn’t aware you were privy to his medical records and understood the extent of his brain injury. Now if you’ll excuse us.” He turned around, and David was smiling at the seals jumping in the air.
“Unbelievable. I’ve never met anyone so rude. Come on, Mason. We’ll find a space over there.”
“But this is the best spot,” the kid whined.
“I know, but this man doesn’t care. He’s being selfish.”
“Excuse me?” Harper knew he shouldn’t respond but couldn’t help it. “I’mbeing selfish? Look in the mirror. It wasn’t me who started this. Now please leave us alone.”
They finished watching the seals and traveled throughout the zoo. Unfortunately, everywhere they went, the woman and her child were there, and she encouraged her son to run up to the front before David could get to a good viewing spot.
At lunchtime, Harper took David to the picnic area, and they ate their food. He cut up David’s sandwich into small pieces and fed it to him, then gave him some fruit. While wiping David’s face, he saw tears in his eyes.
“What’s wrong, buddy? Does something hurt?”
David frowned and made a whining sound. It broke Harper, knowing David’s mind was alive, yet he couldn’t make his needs known. He had a feeling it had to do with what had happened at the seal feeding. David was extremely sensitive to the emotions of people he came into contact with.
“Mommy, I want ice cream now.”
Harper’s nerves twisted in a knot. It was that little boy again with the obnoxious mother.
“Mason. Stop staring.”
Of course, little kids never did what they were asked.
“What’s wrong with him?” The kid pointed at David. “How come he can’t walk? He makes funny noises.”
Harper’s eyes burned. He hoped the mother would have some decency and tell her son that wasn’t a nice thing to say.
“Mason, come here. Now. Stay away from them.”
The contempt in her voice was like icy water thrown over him. He packed their things and tossed the trash into the bin. As he wheeled David away, tears were running down David’s face.
“Hey, buddy, it’s okay. Don’t be upset.” He made it out of the zoo and into their van. “Let’s go for our coffee drink.” But David wasn’t having any of it, and Harper recognized the signs. David was in a full-fledged breakdown. A rare occurrence, as David was a sunny, good-natured man. The last time that had happened was after he’d told him their mother was dead.
Harper decided to head home. Hopefully the familiar surroundings and quiet would calm David. One of his favorite movies always put him in a good mood. On the drive home, Harper cursed the woman whose insensitivity had set this off.
It was a struggle to get David inside, and Harper tried to settle him with the promised movie and some juice. None of it worked, and Harper couldn’t stand to hear the ugly sounds of him crying and wailing.
He stood in the kitchen, careful to keep an eye on him while remaining out of David’s line of sight. As rare as it was for David to have a tantrum, it was even more shocking for Harper to lose control. The weight of everything crashed into him, and he leaned against the wall, his head buried in his arms.
“What happened?” Luis put an arm around him, and Harper, embarrassed at being caught out, rubbed the wetness from his face.
“Long day.” He forced a smile.
“Come on. I know you can fake it better than that.”
Harper allowed Luis to steer him to the table. “Sit. I’ll go check on David.”
“No, Luis. It’s your weekend off.”
“Shut up, man.” It was said with such affection, Harper was ready to burst into tears again.
Luis returned. “He’s sleeping. I emptied his colostomy and urostomy bags and cleaned him up.”
