Read Suffer the Children for Free Online Page B

ground. David slowly felt himself unwind as they settled back into the easy rhythm of their relationship.
    He realized he was smiling and thought, That’s why I’m here. To smile a little. To feel good.
    His family used to have so much fun together when Paul was alive.
    His smile faded. As always, pleasure had its sad echo.
    They finished their meals surrounded by the sounds of cutlery and idle conversation. David ordered a cappuccino for himself and an espresso for Nadine.
    “They have good food here,” Gloria said to Nadine. “The tuna was fantastic . I have to say I’m proud of Ben. Not once did I catch him checking out the football game on the TV in the bar.”
    “Furtive glances,” Ben confessed. “Dallas is playing Detroit. David, you’ve always been a Cowboys fan, haven’t you? Want to know the score? It’s rather grim, I’m afraid.”
    “I haven’t followed them this year, unfortunately,” David said.
    “So how’s your new business idea working out? Giving free prenatal consultations to women in the hopes their kids will become patients?”
    “I won’t know until the children are born,” David answered. “But I had sessions with three mothers in the past week. I think two of the children will become patients.”
    “My God. You’ve discovered the pediatric version of ambulance chasing. Ingenious.”
    “It’s actually fairly common,” David said, smiling again. “But here’s something that will interest you. About a month ago, Nadine and I treated a child with a very special disability and found a way to dramatically improve her life.”
    The waiter brought a tray of cups. David accepted his cappuccino and sipped it. The hot drink made him feel warm and mellow. He glanced at Nadine. She stared blankly at her espresso.
    “Go on, David,” Gloria said. “I’d like to hear it.”
    “Well, we were treating a young girl—who must remain nameless, but let’s call her Kathy—with two afflictions. She’s visually impaired. She’s also allergic to dogs. Of course, this ruled out guide dogs.”
    “Oh, the poor thing,” said Gloria.
    “Why don’t you tell them the solution, Nadine?” David said. “After all, you did most of the research.”
    Nadine said, “We recommended she use a guide horse.”
    “You’re joking,” Ben said.
    “Oh no, it’s no joke,” David responded. “She means a miniature horse, of course.”
    “ Now you’re joking,” Gloria said.
    “Miniature horses—horses with dwarfism—are quite real,” said David. “The smallest miniature horse was just over a foot tall. You can look it up in Guinness World Records .”
    “No, we can’t get one,” Ben said, casting a warning glance at Gloria.
    She ignored her husband. “Can you pick them up and hold them?”
    When Nadine didn’t answer, David stepped in again. “They can be great guide animals. They’re calm, they have a wide field of vision, they remember things, and they’re always on the lookout for danger. Some of them live up to fifty years or longer.”
    “What about the smell?” said Ben, looking skeptical.
    “Not a problem if you give them regular baths. Guide horses can even be housebroken. They don’t get fleas. And the child loves the horse. Treats it like a person. And yes, Gloria, she picks him up and holds him, though horses don’t need affection like dogs do.”
    “What did she name him?”
    David turned to Nadine and waited for her to answer this time.
    “Tiny Tim,” she said.
    Gloria laughed. “Oh God, I love it. If I had a miniature horse, I would name him something brave and bold, like Champion or Hulk.” She nudged Ben, who stared at the TV wearing a tense expression. “Aw, come on. Can we get one, honey?”
    “Wait a second,” Ben said.
    “Dallas making a comeback?” said David.
    “No. Something’s going on.”
    His tone made them all turn toward the television.
    The game was gone. In its place, ambulances and flashing lights filled the screen. In the upper-right