Nicholas Chapter Thirty-one When Adelaide entered Carl’s hospital room she couldn’t help but smile. He was sitting up in bed demanding to go home. Ethel was trying to soothe him while a nurse explained that the doctor would have to make that decision. “Why’s that? I know how I feel. I don’t need any tests to tell me I’m ready to get out of this place. Call my doctor now. Tell him I’m leaving. He can see me in his office next week. I’ll make an appointment.” Carl tried to get out of bed, but his knees buckled under him. The nurse, as though anticipating the collapse, was waiting to catch him. With practiced ease, she settled him back in the bed. Adelaide moved into the room. “I see the native is getting restless.” Ethel shook her head in exasperation. “He’s been like this since I got here. He knows about the fire at Susan’s. He’s all wound up now.” Carl glared across the room at them.
