“What do you want to ask my Dad?” Phyllis interposed. “Is it—about me?”
“Yes,” Gale said firmly, decisively. “He told me you would be hopping about like a sparrow by the first of May. You aren’t and I want to know why,” she said bluntly, watching Phyllis closely.
“I know,” Phyllis said, bowing her head. “He told me too. He has done everything he can. It is my own fault that I’m not.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m afraid to try it,” Phyllis said. “I’m afraid everything won’t be as perfect as he says it will.”
“But, Phyl, there is nothing to be afraid of——” Gale said gently. “It is all up to you now. You are only holding yourself back.”
“I know,” Phyllis said faintly. “But the day I came back to the campus—I tried to walk. The doctors and nurse made me get up and walk across the room—at least try to. I didn’t make it. I fell and now—I’m afraid to try again.”
“But that was natural for the first time,” Gale soothed. “Darling, you’ve got to try it again.”
“I’ll try it when I get enough courage,” Phyllis sighed. “But I’m running rather low on courage right now.”
“But——” Gale began.