Belmont Times August 2021 Issue

Leaving the hospital was relatively easy. After all, no one really expected
someone to try to escape. The hard part was not getting noticed. He
saw a group of costumed tourists, joining in with them. As they passed
Lu’s Popsicle stand, he remembered how it was Evelyn’s favorite treat
stand on the boardwalk. When he saw a ten dollar bill flutter down from
someone’s pocket, he realized his chance. He took the bill and walked
over to the stand. “Mint chocolate chip please.” Recognizing him, the
storekeeper replied “Evelyn’s favorite, huh?” He could only smile and
nod, while she scooped ice cream into the cup. “Thanks, Ms. Lu.” The
storekeeper waved him goodbye. As he took big bites, careful to finish it
before he returned to his room, he remembered something fresh in his
mind, from the first time they had visited the stand. “Mint chocolate
chip, please.” He remembered his confusion with her order. “I didn’t
know that was your favorite.” “It is. Because it’s minty and fresh, just
like me.” She had waggled her eyebrows playfully. He had rolled his
eyes, mouth shut tight so one of the eager chuckles waiting inside him
wouldn’t slip out. But Evelyn saw through it. She always did.
On his return to the hospital, he was sure to cover up his tracks. He then
tucked himself into bed, made sure to cross the last item off his list, and
then made sure to act as if nothing had happened.
“See! I told you, Mr. Johnson was missing!” A frantic nurse burst into
the room. “Hello. Did I miss anything?” he said in the crinkly yet joyful
voice of a innocent, slightly senile old man with a cheery disposition.
“María, stop making things up. Maybe you should have your own room.”
one of
the other nurses teased. “Shut up, Yamini.” she grumbled. “You
did it,” Evelyn said proudly. And with that, he knew he could
finally rest.