5
It was a beautiful day for a picnic.
After months of grueling physical rehab, studiously nursed along by Marilee and the rest of the family, Arlo had slowly regained his health. Recently, Dr. Stenersen had declared him “out of the woods.”
“Not many of my patients get so much support from their families,” she had said to Arlo as she walked him out of the appointment, glancing at the Romans who filled her waiting room.
“They’re nicer to a sonofabitch like me than I deserve,” Arlo had grumbled, although it was obvious from his smile that he was actually quite touched the doctor had praised his family.
To celebrate, the family had decided to gather at the park in the town square.
They couldn’t have picked a better day. The midday sun was high and bright in the sky, blocked occasiona
