The Somerton Man

Healing Wounds, Old And New

Much to Daniel and Clara's relief, the doctor informed them she would be fine.

After thoroughly examining her, he discovered her ankle was swollen and more likely badly sprained, but not broken. Her slight head trauma would be fine also. but she was probably mildly concussed, which had partly caused causing her agitation and confusion

He had given her something to calm her down, and she was sleeping more peacefully now

She would probably need lots of bed rest until her ankle recovered from its injury, but she should feel a lot better after a few days.

But he did suggest that someone keep an eye on her overnight, just to be on the safe side, and if there was any sign of fever or further agitation to send for him again.

"I will keep watch over Eleanor father," Clara volunteered, "Please let me, it's the least I can do, after all this is all my fault"

Daniel at first was going to refuse, uncertain that his daughter should shoulder such a responsibility, but then realising Clara would probably not leave Eleanor's side even if he ordered her to. made him pause for thought, recalling so far she had not found it any problem to defy any of his wishes.

Besides, he understood a little of some of the guilt she might be going through, thinking she was responsible for Eleanor's predicament, and wanting to try and make up for it. At least she was going to get the chance to have some redemption for her actions

He had never had that chance with Isabella.

"Fine," he relented a little gruffly, "I guess you can deem it your punishment for causing all this upheaval in the first place

Daniel walked the doctor to the front door, letting him know if there was any change in Eleanor's condition, he would send for him immediately, thanking him with gratitude he never thought he would feel again, for coming out and tending to his wife.

"Its lucky you found her when you did," The doctor replied, "It might have been a whole different story if she had been left lying there overnight"

It suddenly made Daniel feel glad now that he had decided to return home when he did. Even when his only reason had been the determination to try and make peace with Clara

But although things had turned out not at all as he had expected them to. He realised that in a small way, things had already changed between them, Clara's scare over Eleanor, had made her inadvertently turn to him for help, and it had brought them together in a small way.

He decided could not let this opportunity slide, as he returned to the bedroom, he found Clara had pulled up a chair next to the bed where Eleanor lay sleeping peacefully more peacefully now

Daniel approached his daughter, trying to recall the speech he had practised and planned earlier in the day his head

Some of it seemed unnecessary now, so as she looked round at him, he just looked rather pensive

"This has been quite a day" he then said

"It's been a horrible day," Clara replied miserably.

"But it still turned out alright, which is something," Her father reminded her pointedly. "Besides you cannot shoulder all the blame on this occasion, it's just as much my fault," he then admitted with a heavy sigh

Then taking a deep breath he continued, "None of this would have happened if I had tried to make more effort to be a proper father to you as you wanted me too"

Clara was now looking up at her father, with uncertainty. It was not what she had expected to hear from him, after all that had occurred since she returned home, especially after today and all that had happened