When Eileen was ready, the four started for the center of town. Tommy chose the stores where they would shop, and Eileen did the shopping. Dr. Benson secretly breathed a sigh of relief that she had decided to come with them. Impulsively he turned to her as the clerk was wrapping the last package.
“Why don’t you ride out with us? It’s a wonderful day for a drive.”
She looked at him gratefully. “Thanks. I’d love to. I’ll call the hospital first.”
The drive through the Connecticut countryside was as beautiful as promised. Timmy stared out of the car window as they wound around the gentle curves taking them to Mercyville. For the first time in his life he was seeing the abundant beauty of the country. Or perhaps it was the first time he was able to notice it, because he was well fed and comfortably dressed.
They passed a herd of cattle grazing on the side of a small slope. “So them’s cows,” he said softly. “And they make milk. Well, well.”
“Jeepers!” Tommy exclaimed under his breath. “Yep, Timmy, they make milk, all right. And you haven’t lived till you’ve tasted fresh milk! You’ll have your chance!”
Mercyville consisted of five acres of land nestled between two hills. A stream bounded the land on the third side, and there were patches of woods on the other side. Small cottages dotted the acres and in the center was a building about the size of a large house.
“That must be the administration building,” Dr. Benson said as he turned up the drive to the house. “Hey, look, Tom. There’s a ball diamond. And I’ll bet those are your opponents out there practicing.”
Tommy groaned as he watched the boys playing ball. “Look at that guy pitch!” he moaned. “And that fellow batting! He’ll murder my pitching!”
“Okay,” Dr. Benson said, “everyone out.”