Page 41 of Words Unspoken

“I think he is looking for the dog,” Max shouted back. He scanned the area, looking for Michael’s dog.

“It is just a dog. It will come back,” Noah yelled.

It was not just a dog. It was FedEx. The first pet he ever had. She was the only one who listened to him even when what he said didn’t make any sense. Who understood when no one else did. She had been his lifeline, his reason for getting up in the morning after he didn’t win Ann back. Michael swallowed thickly, worried about his dog. Suddenly Michael saw FedEx struggling in the water. She was swimming, but Michael knew how cold and how big those waves were. He sprinted across the mole and dived out as far as he could. He was lucky only to hit his knee off a rock during the dive. With the unpredictable waves, he could have been smashed back into the line of rocks that made up the mole.

He broke water, gasping. It was stupid cold. Keeping up even strokes, Michael made it to the dog and grabbed her by the collar. For a moment the swell brought him up and he could see both the mole and the beach. He debated his options. The mole was closer, but the water could kill them if it was too violent against the rocks. With today is wind and waves, it was likely they would be injured or worse. The beach was further but the chance of getting there in one piece was far better. Tugging on FedEx, Michael headed for the sand and prayed that no rip currents brought them out to sea. He didn’t want Max or Noah trying their luck in that rowboat they used to play in when they were kids. Or worse, try to sail his boat in an attempt to rescue him and the dog. They were inexperienced amateurs at best when sailing and would likely get hurt trying. It had been years since he had taken either of them out on the sailboat and he knew neither of them had sailed since. Michael doubled his efforts to try to get to shore, pulling FedEx with him.

Both of them were shivering uncontrollably. It was freezing. He would be surprised if there was not a light dusting of snow tonight. He tried to think toasty thoughts of turkey and the fireplace. Michael might even watch the dumb football game. Anything except this penetrating cold. His feet and hands were numb. His teeth were chattering. Still, he swam. It was easier with a sort of side stroke, to hold onto FedEx and make some progress.

An arm came around him from behind and Michael jerked in surprise. “Hey, big brother. Thought you could use a little help. Lean back and kick your legs, just like you taught me.”

It was Max. He was using the same technique Michael had taught him years ago when he was a kid to rescue a distressed or drowning swimmer smaller than himself. Well, Michael reflected ruefully, Max probably had thirty pounds more muscle than him and was an inch taller. He kicked his feet and let Max steer them toward the shore. It took both of Michael is hands to keep FedEx is head above the water. The dog was paddling half-heartedly, eyes nearly closed.

Finally, they reached the point where they could put their feet down and walk through the waves, chest deep. Noah had waded out and grabbed the other side of Michael, helping to support his shivering form up to the beach. Elle and Piaget stood in the sand, each toting a twin. Michael looked at the dog in his arms. FedEx was shivering, but was she breathing?

“I vote we all go inside and try to warm up,” Max puffed. “Ladies, why don’t you find us some dry clothes and get towels ready?”

Piaget nodded and quickly headed for the beach house. Elle remained, tears streaking down her face as she held Ethan who had been wrapped in an adult hoodie. “Thank you, Michael. Thank you.”

Michael shook his head. He hefted FedEx. His lungs felt like they were on fire, but he managed a word, “Barking.”

“What?” she asked, not comprehending.

He repeated hefting the dog and said again, “Barking. Ethan.”

“The dog was barking at Ethan?” Max supplied.

Michael nodded tiredly. “Barking.”

“If you had not noticed the dog, would you have seen Ethan?” Noah asked, he looked at the shaking dog in Michael is arms with a new respect.

Michael shook his head no. His heart constricted at the thought.

“I am sorry Michael. I take back what I said about the dog,” Noah swallowed thickly. “Here, I will carry her in, and Max can pull you along. This way we will all get inside quicker.”

Michael hesitated a moment but let Noah take FedEx. The dog was getting so big and after such a run and swim, he was ready to drop to the ground himself. He was not sure he had the strength to carry her much longer. Max pulled one of Michael is arms over his shoulders and wrapped his other arm around his waist. “Come on, Michael. One foot in front of the other. We got this.”

Piaget met them part way on her return from the house, wrapped a blanket around them. He wanted to ask how FedEx was. She slipped herself under his other arm and helped to tug him along. “I laid out clothes in Michael’s room for both of you. It is a good thing all of you are close enough in size that you can share from the same wardrobe.”

Noah and Max would be borrowing his clothes. He far preferred it when Ann borrowed them. He sighed. He really needed to stop thinking like this. A particularly hard shiver shuddered through him, and he was grateful when they entered the house. It was blessedly hot inside. Max and Piaget led him to his room, making him sit on the bed. “FedEx.”

Michael was surprised that the word had come out right. He tried again. “FedEx.”

“It is okay Michael. We will both get changed and will feel brand new in just a moment,” Max assured him, disregarding the odd word that he had said. To Max it was one of those words that was substituted for something Michael wanted to say, best ignored.

“I am going to get some gauze and tape for his knee,” Piaget slipped away, and Michael realized that his knee did sting. He looked down to see it dripping blood down his leg.

“FedEx,” Michael repeated and motioned toward the door.

Max looked at him in incomprehension and Michael felt a flash of frustration. How did one mime a dog without looking like a complete idiot?

“Michael let’s get changed into dry warm clothes. Then we can work out whatever it is you are saying,” Max pulled off his own shirt and grabbed a towel. Michael sighed and followed suit.

Piaget came into the room and knelt in front of him. She had a couple pads of gauze, tape, and scissors. She used a towel to remove some of the blood and Michael winced. “Sorry.”

“How bad is it? Does he need stitches?” Max asked, he leaned over to have a look.

Michael wanted to remind them that he was right here, listening to them. Just because he didn’t talk much did not mean that he was not fully cognizant of the situation.