Member-only story
You are a Father, You’ll Know
What is true love capable of?
The child in his arms was screaming in pain. He could feel the scorching sun even through the thick cotton fabric of his white cap. His car was parked down at the Banderitsa chalet, but he could ask someone for a lift to avoid walking all the way back. Christina was already five and quite heavy.
While he was sizing up the cars, parked on the rugged hill of the Vihren chalet, an old man came up to him. He was thin, hunched, and limping.
“What’s with your little one?” the old man nodded toward the girl who was writhing in his arms.
“She sprained her ankle badly,” Angel said, “Slipped on a rock on our way back from the lake. It might even be broken.”
“Is there swelling?”
“Yes, it’s quite big. Are you a doctor?” Angel gave him a hopeful look.
The old man smiled. “No, but I know how you can help her. Come, I have a car. I’ll give you a ride.”
The blue Ford was slowly following the sharp curves of the narrow asphalt road. It was stuffy in the car; the mountain herbs stacked in the leather bags on the seats gave out a strong, intoxicating aroma. Angel discerned bunches of white yarrow, chamomile, plantain, nettle, and Mursala tea. His gaze wandered out the window. To his right, along the road…
