It was hard to discern one sound from another, and harder still to know if the queasy nervousness in her stomach was due to her bulls about to compete, or the way sounds faded in and out.A hand touched her arm. She smiled at her aunt Janie, who had insisted on attending with her, because it was a short drive from home, and well, because Aunt Janie went nearly everywhere that Willow went.“Didn’t you hear me?” Janie asked.“Of course I did.”“No, you didn’t. I’ve asked you the same thing three times.”“I’m sorry, I’m just distracted.” Willow slid her finger up the back of her ear. The hearing aid was at its maximum. And Janie was waiting for an answer that Willow didn’t have.“I said, I have a friend I want you to meet.” Janie searched Willow’s face, her growing concern evident in her eyes.“Don’t, Janie, please don’t give me that look. It’s the batteries, nothing more.”“Make an appointment with your doctor.”“Who’s the friend?” Willow went back to the previous conversation.
