Sundancer by Shelley Peterson Page A

around. She’d slept. At some point, she’d heard Stuart Gilmore’s voice, but maybe she had been dreaming. She’d slept again for a while. For how long, she didn’t know.
    Bird was flattered that Alec had come. Bird tried to focus. Alec. Where did he come from? He hadn’t been at the farm when Sundancer dropped her in the field. Dr. Daniels must have brought him from home. He must have wanted to come, or he wouldn’t be here. Bird felt a small thrill. But … maybe he didn’t want to be at home. The thrill in her chest subsided. She knew the situation. Alec’s mother had left a few years ago. At first, everyone had assumed that it was a typical divorce, but it was more than that. Mrs. Daniels had left more than her husband, she’d left her son as well. No one had seen or heard from her since. Bird knew exactly how Alec must feel. Why stay at home if there was no one there?
    The door to the room opened again, and this time Bird decided to look.
    â€œBird!” Hannah jumped up from her seat to hug her niece before turning her attention to the doctor.
    â€œMrs. Simms?”
    â€œNo. I’m Hannah Bradley, Bird’s aunt. Alberta, that is. Simms.” The doctor looked puzzled. “Say that again?”
    â€œI’m sorry. I’m not very coherent.” Hannah held Bird’s hand tightly as she spoke. “Alberta Simms is my niece, and I’m her guardian. My name is Hannah Bradley.”
    He nodded, then smiled. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Dr. Jonathon Molesworth. May I speak in front of this gentleman?”
    â€œYes. Sorry again. This is my friend, Paul Daniels.”
    â€œGood evening Mr. Daniels, Ms. Bradley, the good news is that Alberta has no fractures. We did all the tests, particularly for spine, neck, and skull. She has suffered a concussion, as you’re aware. But there might be a serious problem. Although she has shown signs of awareness, she’s not speaking.”
    â€œShe doesn’t speak.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œBird, or Alberta, hasn’t spoken since she was six years old. She spoke normally before that.”
    The doctor nodded, thinking it over. “Has she been diagnosed?”
    â€œHer family doctor believes she’s an elective mute.”
    â€œWell.” Dr. Molesworth looked intrigued. “You don’t run across that very often. If that’s the case, then she might be recovered enough to go home tonight. We can use the bed. You must keep a close eye on her, though, waking her every two to three hours.”
    â€œOf course.” Hannah sounded relieved. Bird looked around the room, catching Alec’s eye. He smiled and held up an envelope. He’d bought her a card. Bird tried to smile back.
    The doctor was still talking. “If she cannot fully waken at any time, or appears disoriented, you’ll bring her back here immediately and ask for me. I’m on call all night.”
    â€œThank you, Dr. Molesworth. Very much.”
    Hannah reached down and ruffled Bird’s hair as the doctor left the room. “You gave us quite a fright, young lady. I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared before.”
    I’m sorry, Bird thought. But I’m not the one you should be worried about. Sundancer’s more scared than you or me.
    Soon, a nurse arrived to wheel Bird down to Paul’s car. Paul and Alec drove them home and helped Hannah get Bird to the door. “Thanks. I’m very grateful,” said Hannah, holding Bird by the waist to steady her.
    â€œMy pleasure entirely,” said Paul. “We’re happy to be of assistance. I hope you feel better soon, Bird.”
    â€œMe, too,” mumbled Alec. He looked awkward.
    Bird smiled feebly and nodded. She needed her bed. “Call me if you need me, Hannah. Promise?”
    Hannah smiled wearily. “I promise. It’s good to have friends at times like this. Good night, folks.” They