CHAPTER TWELVE RECAP: Ariella
wants to get away for a while. In the meantime, Rabbi Reiness calls Osher’s parents to let them know where their son is. Yeruchem, a young boy from Rabbi Reiness’s yeshivah, is taken away by welfare services, much to Rabbi Reiness’ — and Osher’s — sadness.
Osher
I
opened my drawer and took out a colorful set of linen, the one with the patchwork of squares. Nechemiah sat on a chair near the bed and drank the tea I’d made for him. He watched me stretch the sheet over Yeruchem’s mattress and wave the thick blanket in the air. “So that it should be soft and fluffy and full of air,” I explained as I did it again. I remembered my father waving our blankets in the air when he put on our linen. I can never do it as well, but I’m getting there. “I thought the only way to do it is by banging the blankets,” he said, eyes closed. I folded back the blanket. “Here you go — make yourself at home.” He laughed at my joke, but his laugh was hoarse, clearly the laugh of someone feeling ill. He got up, unsteady on his feet, and then slowly walked toward the bed. He just about fell into it. “Do you want some Tylenol?” I asked. “Yes, thanks. I think there’s some in the kitchen cabinet, right side on the top.” “I also have Tylenol.” I didn’t want to open the door to the Reiness’ family quarters. “Take some of mine for now, and feel better.” “Thanks.” His hand shook as he took the pills from me. “I’m like that,” he said, his eyes still closed. “A little fever puts me away. Maybe it’s because I’m spoiled.” He sighed deeply and then pulled the cover up to his chin. “And the fact that I’m almost twenty-one does not change the fact that I’m the youngest at home. What can I do? It seems to have an effect.”
THE MONSEY VIEW / 89