of instant oatmeal with fresh berries. Plus they loved pop tarts and had one each morning with their milk. The boys had diligently combed their hair and washed their faces. Their good behavior was a result of the great love and gentle discipline of their parents, plus a reflection of what they had learned over and above their studies at the Academy.
“Okay guys, brush your teeth, and we’ll leave,” he said, seeing they had finished eating, and were taking their cereal bowls to the sink.
They rushed off to their bathroom and were soon out and ready to go, back packs in hand. Mike had on khaki cargo shorts and a T-shirt and was ready for the short walk to school. The boys enjoyed the camaraderie of the “guy talk” as they made their way to Pembrooke and were interested in the baseball game last night. Mike assured them he had recorded it, and they could watch it tonight. They loved the Yankees and couldn’t wait to attend a game this season, as their dad had promised.
They ran off, waving good-bye, after reaching the school’s gated entrance, and Mike began the walk home, looking forward to his coffee and bagel. It sure was hot, and he was glad he wore shorts. He got to the coffee shop, a bit crowded, waited in line for his café latte and bagel, and then sat at one of the small empty tables by the window to read the paper, relax a little in the cool air-conditioning, and listen to the news on the TV mounted above one corner of the shop. He put the paper down to listen to the sports report from last night. He had missed the end of the game. Jeter had hit another one!
“The boys will love seeing that replay,” he thought.
He and Maggie had gone to bed soon after putting the boys to bed. They knew they had to rise early, and they weren’t night owls anyway. Warm thoughts of Maggie were brilliant images in his mind, and he imagined she was probably already at the airport, getting ready for her flight. He never worried for her safety, but he was always glad when she got home.
Mike finished his bagel and walked home, sipping the rest of his coffee. He had work piled on his desk and began to mentally outline his day. He had the discipline to work in the home environment, and his office was strictly off limits to the family. He had many projects, including some articles to edit. They were fascinating to him. He often wanted to do actual research, not just read about studies that others were doing in various fields. He let himself into the apartment, did a quick kitchen cleanup, started brewing some coffee, and walked down the hall to his office. He turned on the radio, just for background music, opened his laptop, and began his day.
.
14
None of the passengers could see Maggie on the floor in the forward galley. Terry opened the First Class coat closet and found the first aid kit, strapped to the right side bulkhead. She grabbed it, along with a pillow and blanket, and then she rushed back to Maggie, who looked like she was in a troubled sleep, sweat on her brow. She placed the pillow under Maggie’s head and the blanket over her. She placed a cool towel on Maggie’s forehead and checked her breathing and pulse. Both were steady but rapid. She tried speaking to her, but there was no response.
Terry picked up the intercom and rang Captain Wesley. “Yes, Terry. What’s up?”
“John, we have a problem. Maggie is unconscious, passed out in the forward galley.”
“I am sending Allen out,” John answered.
“Thanks.”
Allen came out of the cockpit, walked the few short steps to the galley, and knelt down beside Maggie. He checked her pulse, listened to her breathing and tried the amyl nitrate, which he found in the first aid kit. There was little response. Maggie moved her head slightly, but didn’t wake up. He and Terry looked at each other, both deeply concerned.
Allen spoke first. “I’ll notify Captain Wesley and let you know. We may turn around or make an emergency landing at the first possible airport. We are nearing BWI. Let the aft crew know what’s going on. We’ll make an announcement about the intermediate stop, and you find out if there is a doctor on board.”
Terry nodded. “Okay.” She picked up the intercom handset, her hand trembling.
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15
The ringing telephone woke