Northern Spirit by Lindsey J Carden

momentarily stunned by her outburst, calmly
said, ‘I’m not going to the doctor’s. There’s nothing wrong with me. It’s
perishing out there. . . . My hands are frozen.’
    Kathy tenderly clenched her son’s hands and was ashamed he was right.
    *       
*        *
    David finished his tea and went to check some cattle that were
wintering out on the lower pasture. Kathy returned to Alan deep in thought. ‘I
think he should see the doctor, Alan. The lad’s not well, but I doubt if he’ll
go?’
    ‘Why don’t you go then?’ Alan sounded genuinely sympathetic. ‘Maybe
Doctor Reed can give you some advice. David’s probably in shock and you know
these youngsters - they don’t always know how to express their feelings.’
    ‘He can’t go on with this sleeplessness. I can hear him at night, up
and down, just like George.’
    ‘It’s going to take time, for him to sort things out in his head, but
he’ll settle down again I’m sure.’
    ‘I know your right. I think I will go and see Michael Reed,’ Kathy
replied. ‘He did say if I was ever worried about anything, I must call.’
    ‘Well there you are then, and while we’re doing some doctoring, I’ve
got some advice for you. Don’t you think it’s about time you got yourself away
for a break, a change of scenery or something? It would do you good. Your
mother would look after the kids, perhaps just for a weekend or so and David
can look after himself for a change.’
    ‘Oh yes, and where would I go? The Bahamas! With these figures looking
the way they are, I just couldn’t afford it. And anyway, what would I do on
holiday on my own sat in some little bed and breakfast place.’
    ‘Well, just think about it that’s all?’
    *       
*        *
    The following morning Kathy went to Keswick. She dressed in her best
skirt and pullover. She did her hair up properly for the first time in weeks,
and put on some make-up and perfume. She felt a sense of freedom. She had
managed to leave while David was up the hill mending a stone wall that had tumbled
down, and she hoped to get back home before he missed her.
    It had been some time since she’d actually left Keld Head, barring
necessary trips to the supermarket, the bank and the school. And today it was a
cold and fresh January morning; the Lakes were pleasantly quiet for a change.
Kathy enjoyed looking around the little shops. She went for a coffee and a
buttered scone, and felt contented as she sat reading the morning’s newspaper,
in no hurry for her appointment. She was enjoying the peace and the freedom as
she wandered up to the surgery, happy to see a few friendly faces on the way.
    Dr Reed was pleased to see Kathy and thought she looked surprisingly
well. Over the years of her turbulent marriage, Kathy had found she had made a
good ally with this young and supportive doctor. He had seen her through a
troubled pregnancy with Sarah, hoping that she wouldn’t have any more children.
The young doctor had stood by her on many occasions, giving her the resolve to
go on, despite the desperate situation she often found herself in.
    As much as this young doctor liked Kathy, he had a great disliking for
George Keldas. He found him difficult to handle and, although respecting his
position as a good provider, he couldn’t comprehend how this attractive and
articulate woman could abide to stay with such a man.
    Michael Reed respectfully rose from his chair as Kathy entered his
office. He took her hand and held it momentarily, then beckoned her to sit
down. ‘You look well, Kathy, if I may say so. I thought you’d have been to see
me sooner than this.’
    ‘Well, Michael, you’re the only one who thinks that. Everyone else
thinks I’m worn out and only fit for the scrap heap.’ Kathy slid graciously
into the chair.
    ‘Their words or yours? Perhaps that’s what they think you should be
like.’ The young doctor grinned at her.
    ‘I hope this doesn’t sound awful, Michael, but I