"How do you feel?" I asked after a while."How do you feel?" I asked after a while. "It hurts real bad. I can't stop from.... thinking about it. It's real bad isn't it? I heard what the doctor was saying to the nurse. I probably won't grow up like other boys. Did you know that? That's what he said. Because of what happened down there." I nodded. "The doctor told me. He can't be certain Rafael. When you're older, about four or five years from now,.... then they can tell how bad it is." I said gently. "Don't worry about it now. Right now all you've got to do is get better." Lovingly I placed my hand on top of his. The boy's hand was very small compared to mine. His little fingers were hot and moist and he seemed to tremble as I squeezed his hand. A part of the boy seemed to flow into me. He seemed so fragile lying there on the white sheets. His body had been damaged, perhaps irreparably. He had been terribly abused and while some of the damage that had resulted would heal eventually some never would. I suspected that the boy would be emotionally damaged. He needed my support and friendship. |