That night at dinner Marc hardly touched his meal. ‘I hope we aren’t going to go through this again’ Oscar thought as he looked down at the non-eaten meal. ‘Maybe I better have Steve stop by in the morning.’

That night Oscar thought he would have a crack at trying to see what was bothering Marc. He sat down in a chair he always moved in between the beds.

“Matt, come on over here for just a moment. Before I read you your story I wanted to talk to you. Marc is there anything you want to talk about. You hardly touched you dinner tonight. Is anything wrong?”

Marc shot a look at Matt. ‘you didn’t say anything did you?’

‘Of course not I promised I wouldn’t.’

“Listen guys if there is something wrong you need to tell me.”

“Nothing’s wrong dad, really I’m fine. I just wasn’t very hungry, that’s all.” Marc reassured him.

Oscar turned to Matt. “How bout you Matt, everything going ok?”

“Yea dad. Everything is fine.”

After he read them their story he again had to move Matt to his own bed. He gave each sleeping boy a kiss. “Good night boys.” He said as he turned out the light

He went back down stairs Danny was just getting ready to watch Columbo on TV. “Every body asleep?” He asked.

“Yea everybody is fast asleep. By the way they didn’t say anything to you did they. I’m worried about Marc, he hardly ate any dinner.”

“No dad, they didn’t say anything to me anyway. Maybe they mentioned something to Steve. Is it ok if I watch Columbo tonight?”

“I have a phone call to make. That show goes way past your bedtime make sure you go to bed as soon as it’s over.”

“I will. Promise.”

He went into his office and placed a call to Steve.

“Hello “ Steve said.

“Steve its Oscar.” Oscar spoke into the phone.

“Yes Oscar what did you need? It’s only two weeks before Christmas, I’m not going anywhere.”

“No nothing like that. In fact I need you here more.

“What’s up?” Steve asked, “Are the twins ok.”

“I’m a little concerned about Marc. He hardly touched his dinner. He didn’t mention anything to you did he?” Oscar sounded worried.

“No, the last time I talked to the twins, they asked me where babies came from. Remember?”

“Yea, I remember. Oscar laughed I was just wondering.”

“If you want, I’ll talk to them tomorrow.” Steve said.

“I think maybe you should, something is bothering him. I tried talking to them right before bed, but they wouldn’t say anything. I remember a week or so ago, when Marc’s bionics had to be changed. He came to you. He even skipped school to do it. He trusts you.”

“Don’t worry Oscar, I’ll find out what’s bothering him, I’m sure he’ll open up to me.” By the way, is Rudy still planning on talking to Danny?”

“As far as I know.” Oscar said. “Jaime is coming again this week to tutor the boys, she usually gives them a break around 11:00 till 1:00.” He finished.

“That would be a good time to come out there. I’ll be there then.”

“Thanks Steve.”

Later that night Oscar woke up. Some one was in the bathroom across the hall from his room; He could tell that that someone was sick. He got out of bed put on his robe and walked across the hall. Marc was sick. Oscar went over to him.

“What’s the matter Marc?”

“I don’t know.” Marc was crying,

Oscar felt his forehead. He didn’t have a fever. “Maybe I better call Rudy.” Oscar muttered more to himself.

“No dad I’m ok really.” Marc argued. “It’s late, don’t bother him. I’m fine really.

After the third time Oscar again suggested they call Rudy. Again Marc assured Oscar that he felt fine and that there was no need to bother Rudy especially this late. Oscar was up with Marc the rest of the night.

Monday, December 15, 1975

After breakfast Jaime arrived for her daily lessons with the boys. She was really beginning to enjoy it. She felt bad that it would end in a few days.

Oscar and Danny headed off for Dan’s school and Oscar headed for work.

“How’s school going Dan?” Oscar asked as the drove into the city.

“Great, I love it.” Danny answered.

“And working with Rudy, how is that going?” Oscar probed.

“I love it. I really like Rudy he’s a cool guy.” Danny answered.

Oscar decided to leave it at that.

At The house the twins sat at the dining room table, which had been turned into a schoolroom. Jaime had written several words on the chalkboard that she had instructed Oscar to buy.

“Ok guys copy your spelling words for the week. I want you to write them three times each today for your homework. Ok?” She walked around to the other side and started writing down math problems for the boys to work on.

When she finished she stepped back around to the front. “Are you finished?” She asked.

“I I am “ Matt said.

“I’m not finished yet.” Marc informed her.

“Why not Marc.” Jaime wanted to know.

“I can’t see the board very well.” He explained.

“Well move a little closer honey.” Marc moved closer to copy his spelling words and Jaime got an English test ready for the boys to take.

She handed them each a sheet with several questions on it. Matt quickly looked at his and started answering the questions. Marc couldn’t seem to focus on his. He covered up his right eye and tried reading the paper that way. It seemed to help a little. Matt was busy doing his own paper and Jaime was planning their next lesson. No one noticed.

The twins finished the papers at about the same time and handed them into Jaime. She then told them to copy the math problems and that would also be their homework.

At 11:00 Jaime went to the kitchen to get lunch started for the boys. The boys went into the living room to watch TV

While Jaime was fixing lunch Steve came through the back door. “Boy they said it was going to get cold, I think they meant it. I think it could actually snow.”

“That’s what they said on the weather anyway. Marc and Matt are in the living room watching TV. Oscar said you were going to stop by.”

“How does he seem?” Steve wondered.

“He seems very preoccupied to me. He had trouble concentrating” Jaime told him.

“I’ll go talk to him.” Steve grabbed a carrot Jaime was cleaning for lunch and munched on it as he walked into the living room.

“Hi guys how is everything.” Steve asked as he walked over to the TV and turned it off.

“Hey!” The twins and Joey protested.

“Joey you can keep watching Matt, Marc. We need to talk. Let’s go into your dad’s office ok?”

‘You told!!’ Marc accused Matt.

‘No I didn’t I swear.’ Matt complained.

They walked into their dad’s home office. “Sit down guys.” Steve said taking a seat on the edge of the desk. “Marc, your dad says you hardly touched your dinner last night and your breakfast this morning. He also says you were sick in the night. We are very worried about you.”

“I’m fine, really.”

“Except you told me you had trouble seeing the board this morning. I never thought of that till just now.” Jaime said standing in the doorway.

“Is that true Marc?”

“Well sort of. I can see ok out of this eye, he said pointing to his real eye. “I have trouble seeing out of this one.” He pointed to the bionic one. Jaime and Steve exchanged concerned looks.

“Call Rudy, Tell him I’m bringing Marc in. You stay here with the other boys.”

“I w want to g go with M Marc” Matt whined.

“No Matt, you need to stay here and do your school work. I’ll get a warm blanket and get the car started.”

Marc rode in the backseat wrapped up in the blanket Steve had put around him. “How do you feel otherwise Marc? Steve asked as he pulled into the parking lot at OSI.

“I feel fine, really.” Marc said. “I don’t want to go the doctor, I’m not sick.”

“Well your dad says you were sick in the night. So I think a trip to the doctor is called for.” And something must be wrong if you can’t see out of your eye. Steve told him

“It’s just a little fuzzy.” Marc tried to explain. “It will get better. Really Steve, I feel fine. I don’t need to go the doctor.” Marc was still protesting.

“Well we’ll have Rudy take a look anyway ok? I mean since we are here.”

“I guess so.” Marc sighed.

Steve led Marc down the hall to Rudy’s office. Rudy opened the door.

“HI Marc" Rudy greeted. "Jaime called. She told me you are having a little trouble seeing.”

“Just a little” Marc tried to assure the good doctor.

“Well let’s just have a little look, shall we? Come on in. Steve why don’t you go get Oscar tell him Marc is here. He called me after Jaime called him and said you were bringing him in, he is very worried.”

“I’ll go get him.” Steve left and went down to Oscar's office.

“Have a seat Marc right up here, and I’ll take a look and see ok?” Marc pushed himself up onto the table, and Rudy started looking into his eye.”

“How is he Rudy?” Oscar asked concern in his voice.

“It looks fine to me. I don’t see anything wrong.”

“Well then why can’t he see out of it?” Oscar demanded.

“I really don’t…”

Rudy was interrupted when the phone rang. He went to answer it. “Hello.” He said. “Oh Jaime hi.”

“Rudy I think I may be able to shed a little light on what’s wrong. Matt just told me. He didn’t say anything earlier, but with Marc having to go to the Doctor and all he thought he better tell some one.”

“You have my interest.” Rudy stated.

“Last night they were riding their bikes. Marc fell off and banged the back of his head.” Jaime informed him.

“That answers a multitude of questions. Thanks for calling.” He hung up the phone and turned to Marc.

“Marc did you fall off your bike last night, and bump your head?”

“Who told you?” Marc said.

“Matt told Jaime and Jaime called me. Oscar, you said he was sick in the night?”

“Yea, I was up most of the night with him.” Oscar remembered.

“Well I know what’s wrong.” Rudy said, “He must have a concussion “ He turned to Marc. “You should know!!!”

Steve grabbed Rudy by the elbow. “Easy there Doc. Come on outside for just a second.”

Steve led Rudy out into the hall. “You better watch it, any trust you have built up with him will be gone if you continue on this path.” Steve told him. “Rudy you can’t talk to him that way, he’s just a little boy he has no idea what can happen.” Steve explained.

“I never thought of it that way. Ok, ok. I’ll go talk to him.” Rudy went back into the lab. Marc jumped down from the table and hid behind his dad.

“Marc, come here a minute son. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to get so upset with you.” Marc slowly made his way over to where Rudy stood. Rudy sat down next to him. “Marc it is very important for you or anyone for that matter to tell an adult if they were hurt the way you were hurt.” Rudy explained.

“Now” Rudy continued. “I’m going to take some pictures of your head, so I can see what’s going on in there. Ok?”

“I guess so.” Marc sighed. “I feel fine though. I mean I had a little headache last night, but it doesn’t hurt now.”

“Well I still want to take a look.” He turned to Oscar you can wait here if you want. This may take a few minutes. Or longer.”

“I’ll be right here Rudy, I’m not going anywhere.” Oscar said.

“Ok then I’ll see you in just a little bit.” Rudy led Marc down the hall so he could run some x-rays and brain scans.

Steve waited with Oscar in Rudy’s office. “He’s going to be fine Oscar. Plus he has the best there is, you know that.”

“Yea I know. But when it involves your kids it’s different.” Oscar explained.

“I wouldn’t know about that.” Steve groaned

“I’m sorry Steve, I didn’t mean anything. I’m just worried about Marc.” Oscar apologized

“I understand Oscar.” Steve whispered.

About a half hour after they left Rudy came into the room. “Well it’s just what I thought. Jaime said Matt told her Marc landed on the back of his head. Fluid has built up, and is putting pressure on the optic nerve. “I’m going to have to go in and relive the pressure.”

“Surgery?” Oscar asked.

“It will be just fine Oscar.” Rudy assured him. “I don’t know how long this is going to take. Why don’t you just have a seat, and make yourself comfortable.” Rudy told him.

“You want me to stay with you Oscar.” Steve asked.

“Yea, but first why don’t you let Jaime and the others know what’s going on. You can use my office if you want. I want to be alone for a minute.” Oscar told him.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Steve sounded worried.

“Yea, pal. I’ll be fine.” Oscar said.

After Steve left Oscar walked over to Rudy’s desk, he sat down in his big leather chair and…

The lack of sleep the night before finally caught up to him Oscar was fast asleep in a matter of seconds.

He dreamt it was June of 1963. He was still Oscar but not with nearly the influence he carried today. He worked for OSI but only as an intelligence agent. He was in his old apartment. He had just gotten off work and had let himself in. The phone was ringing as he set his brief case on the hall table.

“Hello there ‘uncle’ Oscar. It was Julie.

“Hi, sis. So do I have a niece of a nephew?” Oscar spoke into the phone

“It’s a boy. 7 pounds 10 ounces. We’re calling him Daniel.” Julie was so excited she could hardly hold the phone.

“Well” Oscar said Laughing. “Give my brand new nephew a big kiss from his uncle. I’ll try to fly up this weekend and see him.”

“That would be wonderful. Tom is anxious to see you too.”

Steve made the phone call to Jaime and told her what was going on. He said he was going to stay with Oscar while Rudy had Marc in surgery. Jaime agreed he shouldn’t be alone, and she would bring the kids by later.

Steve walked back down to Rudy’s office and found Oscar sleeping in the chair. He sat on the couch and waited for his friend to wake up.

By now Oscar was at Julie and Tom’s apartment in New York. Julie was laying a four-day-old Danny in his arms. “He is a cute little thing.” Oscar said.

Danny was wide-awake for his first visit from his uncle. He brown eyes never left Oscar’s face.

“Well, what do you think?” She asked.

“I think he’s great.” Oscar confirmed.

The dream then skipped forward to January 1968. Oscar had been invited to a play at Danny’s Pre School. Tom couldn’t make it he had to be out of town. So Oscar flew up to NY to escort a very pregnant Julie and four year old Danny to the play.

In the dream Oscar relived the entire play. But it was what happened after the play that stuck out most in his memory.

They had stopped for ice cream on the way home. “That Danny is a smart little guy.” He observed.

“Do you know he is reading already? Julie informed him

“No, I didn’t know that. He’s only four.”

“They say he’s reading on a fifth grade level, and most important, he understands what he reads. We are trying to find a special school for him when he starts kindergarten in the fall.”

“That’s incredible.” Oscar went on. “I had no idea.” Oscar turned to his sister. “What’s the matter?”

“I do believe it’s time you better take me to the hospital.”

“Are you sure?” Oscar asked.

“Yes big brother I’m very sure.” She informed him.

Oscar rushed her to the hospital they almost didn’t make it. Matt was in a big hurry.

Oscar waited in the waiting room with all the other expectant fathers. He hadn’t been there very long when the nurse came out and told him he had not one but two nephews. He could go visit his sister if he wanted.

“We normally only allow the father in but since he’s not here your sister really wants to see you.” the nurse told him.

He walked into his sister’s hospital room. She was sitting up in bed she had a baby on either side of her. “Well guys this is your uncle Oscar. I think you’ll like him pretty good. Oscar say hello to Matt, he was born first, and Marc.”

“Hi fellows. What do you think of the world so far?” Both boys started crying, their brown eyes crinkled shut. You could tell that they were going to have dark brown if not black hair. “Hey I think they know what I just said.” Oscar laughed.

Again the dream skipped forward it was now four years ago. Oscar was much busier than he had been when Danny and the twins were born.

But he remembered that bright spring day when once again Julie called an informed him he was an uncle. Another boy. They were naming this one Joseph

Oscar never got a chance to make it to see Joey when he was a baby to many demanding pressures at work.

Then when Joey was not quite two he got another call. This time Julie was in tears.

“What’s wrong Julie?” He had asked, his mind more on his work than the conversation.

“Oh Oscar” She cried over the phone. “They just told us Joey is autistic it is awful.”

“How long has he been asleep?” Rudy asked Steve when he entered his office.

“Since you took Marc down, how is he.”

At the sound of their voices Oscar woke from his dream world. “Rudy How is Marc? Is he alright?”

“He’s going to be just fine. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.”

“Can I see him now?” Oscar nearly knocked Steve and Rudy down.

“In a minute, he’s still sleeping off the affects of the anesthetic. He should be out of in a couple of hours. You were sure sleeping over there.”

“I didn’t get much last night. I was up all night with Marc.” Oscar explained, “I was having the strangest dream. I went back to when all the kids were born. I was actually in NY when the twins were born.”

“Welcome to parent hood.” Rudy told him. “It’s not unusual for a parent to have that kind of dream when their child is undergoing a serious medical procedure.” Rudy continued.

Just as Rudy and Oscar were on their way to see Marc, Jaime burst into the room. She was carrying Matt.

“After lunch he wasn’t in watching TV with Joey. Joey said he was upstairs sleeping. I went and looked in on him. I thought he was taking a nap, so I just let him sleep. A few minutes ago, I thought I better wake him up or he would never sleep tonight. He wouldn’t wake up.”

Rudy took him from her. “I am so stupid. I should have had you bring Matt too. I forget that he and Marc can feel the same thing. I just hope he lost conciseness before…”

“Before what Rudy?” Oscar asked.

“Well before I started surgery on Marc. I can’t imagine the poor kid feeling that.” Rudy told him.

“You think that’s why he passed out?” Steve asked”

“Yea, remember what happened over the decoder incident?” Rudy reminded them “I should have known better.”

“Rudy, you can’t blame yourself.” Jaime comforted him.

“I’m not blaming myself. I just should have been more aware of Matt.” He explained.

“Will Matt be alright?” Oscar wanted to know.

“He should come out of it the same time as his brother. I am hoping the only thing he felt was the effect of the anesthetic.” Rudy said. “If you want to follow me Oscar I’ll take you to Marc. I don’t’ want you to be shocked I have his eyes bandaged shut.”

Oscar stopped in tracks. “What? Why? Rudy he’s not going to…”

“Didn’t I just tell you not to be worried I did it because I want the optic nerve to rest for a couple of days. I want Marc to just relax. I’m keeping him here till Wednesday.”

“That’s all well and good. Are you sure he’ll be alright?” Oscar grilled.

Rudy lay Matt done in the bed next to Marc’s “Look Oscar there are no guarantees in any thing like this. I’m not going to stand here and tell you Marc is going to be 100%. Cause I’m not sure myself. You want an answer and I’m not ready to give it to you.”

“Ok Rudy. What ever happens, happens I guess.” Oscar sighed.

“You can stay right here if you want. That way you'll be here when he wakes up.” Rudy told him

‘Thanks, I’ll do that.” Oscar sat down on a chair just like at home between the two beds.

That afternoon Danny arrived as usual at 3:15. “Hi Danny’ Rudy greeted him. “Before you start your homework today I want to have a little talk with you.”

“Sure.” Danny said setting his books on the table by the door. “What’s up?”

“Do you like coming here and working with me.” Rudy began

“This sounds very similar to what dad and I talked about on our way into the City today.” Danny recalled.

“Did your dad tell you about his dream?” Rudy asked.

“Yea, pretty wild huh?” Danny responded.

“Yea, I guess it was.” Rudy said. One of the things that stuck out most was what you said. Did he tell you about that?” Rudy watched Danny as he tried to recall what his father had told him a couple to days before.

“Yea, I remember, he said that in the dream I said” Danny’s face turned red. “I said. ‘News flash, I am a child’ Rudy I really don’t feel that way” Danny continued.

“I’m sure you don’t, but how do you feel working with me?” Rudy asked again

“I really like it.” Danny assured.

“You know Dan I was just like you as a kid. Maybe not quite as bright as you are, but I had the idea for bionics ever since I was a kid.”

“Really” Danny was impressed.

‘Yea, only they didn’t have the Richmond School when I was a kid. I had to go to regular classes. It was very boring.

“I’ll bet it was.” Danny confirmed.

“Dan, if there is anytime you would rather go to a friends house after school. Or if you would rather do something else, you let me know. Ok?”

“Sure Rudy. In fact, someone did ask me, over to their house just the other day. Maybe I’ll take them up on it after the holiday break.”

“That would be just fine. You know, I think that I’ll only have you come in on Monday Wednesday and Thursday from now on. That way if you want to make plans you know you have Tuesday and Friday. How does that sound? And if you have nothing to do on Tuesday and Friday go home and play with your brothers. Joey can be a lot of fun if you let him.”

“That sounds ok to me I guess. I’ll miss coming here though.” Danny said sadly

“I’ll miss having you too, but I don’t want you to have a breakdown like the twins did.”

“I understand. I don’t think we have to worry about it but it would be kind of nice to go to a friends once in a while.” Danny agreed.

“Then it’s settled. Dan I told you I understand what you’re going through. If you ever want to talk I’m here for you, ok?”

“Ok thanks Rudy.” Danny said.

“No problem” Rudy proclaimed.

Oscar came into Rudy’s office. “Rudy he’s coming out if it. You better come down.”

“I’ll be right there Oscar.” Rudy turned to leave. Then turned back to Danny. “Marc had surgery today. Come on walk with me and I’ll explain it.”

“I’d appreciate that. What happened to Marc?”

“He fell of his bike last night. He didn’t tell anybody what happened. And…”

“Let me guess Matt didn’t say anything either.” Danny surmised.

‘Right. Until about 11:00 this morning after Steve brought Marc into me. He was having some problems seeing. Matt told Jaime about him falling off his bike and Jaime called me I ran the tests and fluid had built up around the optic nerve.” They were at Marc’s door now. Rudy opened it and they stepped in.

Rudy and Danny walked over to Marc. "Anyway,” Rudy continued. “I had to go in and relieve the pressure.”

He shot a quick glance toward Matt. He was also beginning to come around. “Take it easy Marc.” Rudy was saying. “I have your eyes bandaged shut I don’t want to put any pressure on the optic nerve for a couple of days.”

In the corner Oscar and Danny whispered to one another. “Rudy is worried that Matt might have felt the pain of Marc’s operation. He passed out at home Jaime brought him in a short time ago. We don’t know if Matt is feeling the affect of the anesthetic or if he pass out from the pain”

“I’m sure it’s from the anesthetic “ Danny reassured. “Marc was asleep during the operation, right?”

“Of course he was.” Rudy said as he walked over to them.

“Well there’s you answer, If Marc didn’t feel it, neither did Matt.” Danny explained.

“That’s a relief” Rudy exclaimed

“How long will he have to wear the bandages?” Oscar inquired.

“I’ll remove them on Wednesday. That should give everything time to settle down a bit. I’ll keep both twins here. That way they won’t have to be apart.”

“Ok maybe I’ll take Dan and Joey home, fix them some supper and turn in for the night. Jaime will you still come out tomorrow and baby sit for Joey?”

‘Of course, how is it going now that Mary doesn’t work for you anymore?”

“It’s been going great. Once school gets started back up Things should run much smoother. I may enroll them in an after school program and see how that goes. The Richmond School doesn’t have one but the elementary up the street has a program. I have been talking to the director, a very nice lady. She said that if someone gets them over to them they could go there. And what’s nice is that I can drop them off before school as long as someone from the Richmond School picks them up. Some one has already agreed to do this, so I think I’m taking that route.”

“That sounds good Oscar.” Rudy said. “Marc is going to be very restricted in what he does for a few weeks. I don’t want him running around or playing rough I don’t want to cause another hemorrhage if his head gets jostled around to much it could cause bleeding again.”

‘We’ll be careful Rudy Don’t worry about that.” Oscar assured.

“Why don’t you go ahead, go home. I’ll stay with the boys. They should sleep through the night.”

Oscar, Joey and Danny got in the car and headed home. Oscar decided on a light supper since there was just the three of them.

He put Joey to bed at 7:30. Then came back down stairs. “It sure is quiet around here isn’t it?” He said to Danny as he sat down with the evening paper.

“Yea, I was just noticing that myself.” Danny replied.

“I really miss them.” Oscar continued. “I hate not having them here.”

“Why can’t we have them here, Rudy can stay with us.” Danny suggested.

“I’ll call him” Oscar jumped up out of his chair and headed for the phone. He dialed Rudy’s office.

“Rudy how are the twins doing?” Oscar asked his arm around Danny who had joined him by the phone.

“They are sleeping. Why?”

”You’re talking to two lonely guys here. We miss them. Danny was wondering if you could bring them home, you could stay here.”

“Oscar it’s freezing out. It started snowing ten minutes ago. Do you really want me to bring a critically injured child who just had surgery out in this weather?”

“No I Guess your right, it’s just so lonely around here. I’ll be there as soon as Jaime gets here to watch Joey.”

“Oscar they are doing fine and they miss you and Dan to.” Rudy lied; the twins had been sleeping a better part of the night and hadn’t even noticed where they were. But he thought it might make Oscar feel better.

“You’ll be there all night with them?” Oscar asked sounding nervous.

“Yes Oscar, I’ll be here all night.” Rudy assured him.

“Maybe we can bring them home tomorrow.” Oscar wondered.

“I don’t suggest that right now. Marc is doing very well and I think it’s best that he stay here at least till Wednesday.”

“Well maybe we can work something out. Rudy we really miss them.” Oscar argued.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow Oscar. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while you can.” Rudy told him

“I bet I won’t sleep at all tonight.” Danny said as he went up to bed.

An hour later Oscar went to bed he looked in on Danny and Joey before he went to his own room. Both were fast asleep.

Despite the feeling of loneliness Oscar was soon fast asleep too.

Tuesday December 16, 1975

The next morning after Jaime arrived to take care of Joey, Oscar dropped Danny off at school and headed for work. He got there and headed straight for the twin’s room

He met Rudy outside the twin’s room. “How is he today?” Oscar asked.

‘"Matt is doing fine. Marc is a little upset about having his eyes bandaged he can’t wait for tomorrow when I told him I’d take them off. There is something we need to talk about.”

“What is it Rudy?”

“I did another brain scan on Marc just a little while ago. Oscar I don’t know if Marc will get his vision back or not. We will just have to wait for tomorrow morning when the bandages come off.”

“Rudy what is wrong?” Oscar asked sinking into a chair out side the room.

“It appears there was more damage to the optic nerve than I had originally thought. And yet it may not be as bad as I am assuming it will be. Like I said, we will know more tomorrow.

Oscar didn’t even bother to ask if they could come home. He got up from the chair and put a fake smile on and walked into the room.

“Morning boys. How are we doing today?” He asked as he sat in the chair between their beds.

“I want Rudy to take these things off my eyes right now!!” Marc complained.

“He will first thing tomorrow. Right now your eyes need a rest. Ok?”

‘Yea I guess.” Marc groaned.

Oscar didn’t go down to his own office. He left the building and just drove around the City till Danny’s school let out.

“I need you to come home with me Dan. We have some things to talk about. It’s about Marc. Rudy is not sure if his vision will return or not.”

Danny slumped down in the front seat and didn’t say a word

They spent sleepless night

Wednesday December 17, 1975

The next morning Oscar told Danny he didn’t have to go to School. He gathered up Joey and they all drove into the OSI together.

Steve Jaime and Rudy were all waiting outside Marc and Matt’s room when Oscar and the kids arrived

Rudy opened the door “Well here comes the moment of truth”

Rudy, Oscar, Steve, Jaime and Danny stepped into the room Marc and Matt had shared for the past two days. Joey was down in Oscar’s office watching Callahan type.

The boys were both sitting on Marc’s bed.

“Good morning boys.” Rudy said. “Well Marc your dad’s here, why don’t we get the show on the road.”

“yippie!!.” Marc cried. “Now I can get these stupid bandages off. I can’t wait.”

“Steve, would you please close the blinds?” Rudy asked.

‘Yea, sure.” Steve walked over to the window and closed the blinds.

“Ok Matt let’s move over here for just a moment, then you can get back in your brother’s bed if you want. Rudy lifted him up and moved him to his own bed.

“Ok Marc now just lie back I’ll get those bandages off.” Rudy began to unravel the layers of gauze that had covered Marc’s eyes. “Ok son we are down to the end, I want you to close your eyes for me and don’t open them till I tell you ok?”

“Yea, ok. Just hurry.” Marc sounded agitated.

The room was very quiet as Rudy peeled off the final layer. Marc’s eyes were shut tight.

Rudy put his hand over Marc’s eyes. “Ok Marc, slowly open your eyes.” He instructed.

Rudy could feel Marc’s eye lids begin to slowly open. “Ok I’m going to move my hand out of the way. I want you to tell me exactly what you see.”

Rudy removed his hand and Marc again blinked at the brightness. Then as they got accustomed to the light he was able to describe everything in the room.

Oscar let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good Marc.” Rudy said. “Now why don’t the two of you just relax for a few minutes and then your dad can take you home.”

Rudy turned to Oscar “Let’s go out in the hall for just a moment.” Rudy suggested.

They stepped out of the room. “We got lucky.” Rudy began “The damage wasn’t as bad as I thought it was I told you I could be wrong. I just wanted to prepare you for the worst. “I’m still not exactly sure if all his vision has returned.”

“Come on Rudy, you heard him in there. He described everything.” Oscar told him.

“Well we will know more once he gets started doing his schoolwork. When he has to read and see thing farther away than just across the room. But I’m certain it has all returned.

“I’m just relieved that it’s over.” Oscar said.

“Well like I just said, we’ll know more as Marc goes through the day. If you don’t mind I would like Jaime to take them back to your house and have them do school work, reading, board work that sort of thing. His bionic eye seems ok I’ll test it in a few days.” Rudy finished.

“That sounds just fine by me. They have both missed out on quite a bit over the past few days. I’m sure Jaime won’t mind…”

“Jaime won’t mind what?” She said as she stepped into the hall.

Rudy wants Marc to get started on schoolwork. He wants you to see how well Marc sees the work.”

“I would love to.” Jaime agreed. She turned to Rudy. “Can I take them now?”

“Yea Marc is more than ready to go home” He turned to Oscar, “there is one other thing” He continued. “Marc is going to have to take it easy for several weeks. I don’t want him running around or rough housing with Matt. I’m afraid another bump could cause him to hemorrhage again.”

“Trust me Rudy, I’ll be very careful with him.” Oscar assured.

Rudy started walking down the hall to his office, Oscar caught up to him. “Rudy I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done for my family.”

“Yea? Just wait till you get my bill.” Rudy turned and walked into his office smiling. Oscar stepped in with him

“Thanks again Rudy. I’ll be down in my office. I have a lot of work to catch up on.” And He left Rudy’s office and went back down to the room.

“Jaime is going to take you guys home if you don’t mind. I’m sure you have a lot of work to catch up on.” Oscar said.

“Do we have to do our schoolwork?” The twins groaned.

“Rudy said it was the best thing for both of you. You missed out on a lot of work in the past few days.” Oscar told them. He turned to Jaime. “I’m going to be a little late tonight if that’s ok, I have a few more things to pick up for Christmas and I still have to put that bike together. And get some of those presents wrapped. I’ll do that tonight after the kids have gone to sleep.” He said more to himself. Why don’t you and Steve plan to have dinner with us tonight.”

“That sounds good, I’ll go ahead and fix something.” Jaime said.

“I didn’t mean I wanted you to cook.” Oscar told her. “We can order something.”

“Not at all, I’ll fix something.”

Jaime took Joey Marc and Matt home. Danny decided to stay and work with Rudy for the rest of the day.

...Continued