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Show 5-6 When we had finished and packed up the cups and napkins, he leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers behind his head. We both looked out into the trees in front of us. The men were still there and I noticed for the first time how silent they were. Even the men playing cards and checkers did so Silently, no laughter or loud talk accompanying the bets and the moves. When my parents and I played canasta, we screamed at each other and when Father and Uncle Joe played poker, I could hear them swearing, even upstairs in my room. The noise seemed part of the game. But these men played, sat, and walked in silence. It was as if somewhere in the shadows of the giant trees behind them, someone was fast asleep and they were careful not to make noise and wake the sleeper. I suddenly felt conscious of all the noise Father and I had made through lunch and I glanced at him, my face growing hot with embarrassment. He too was looking at the men but with a look of such sadness that I forgot my own concern. I watched him for a moment,wanting him to return to his playful mood. , Finally, a bit angry, I slammed the lid of the basket. He looked at me sharply and stood up. "Well, Miss, this was delightful. Can you entertain yourself for half an hour? I shouldn't be much longer." "I guess so." I was still a bit annoyed and wanted him to notice it. "Do I have to drag this thing around with me?" "No, I'll keep them. I need something to do." The spell was broken. Father seemed to want to rush off, back into that hospital full of silent men who were so much more interesting to him than I was "Ok, Annie. I'll look for you when I'm ready." And he was gone. |