Page 43 - Book 8 Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase

Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase 41
‘I have a surprise for you,’ she said, and opened the door.
Matty lay on the bed, supported by soft pillows and opened his eyes. ‘Hello, Mum. Hi, Dad,’ he said in a slurred voice. Their son looked thin and frail, but to his parents, he appeared fantastic. Sophia quietly walked away leaving the family alone to talk and laugh together.
‘How do you feel, Matty?’ asked Betsy, gently stroking his head.
‘A bit groggy. I had an accident in the school, didn’t I? I’m sorry, Mum. Is Paris all right?’
‘Yes, of course, and she sends her love.’ Sam calmly answered Matty’s brief questions and then his brother, Archie sidled up to the bed.
‘Hi, little brother,’ said Matty. ‘What have you been up to since I have been away?’
‘I’ve made you a card and these are for you.’ Archie placed a large box on the bed; it was brimming over with cards and good wishes.
Sam smiled. ‘A lot of folks have been thinking about you, son. When you feel better you’ll have a queue of visitors from here to the coast.’
‘And then we can have a big party,’ laughed Archie.
The hedgehogs didn’t stop talking and Sam was happy to see Betsy looking and feeling relaxed until Doctor Drake arrived.
The family listened to the doctor and discovered how the injury Matty sustained might affect his future. Then there was silence.