I was invited to attend a ceremony at, I thought, the remote hogan. But, I was surprised when I walked up and found a tipi set up next to the hogan. The ceremony started at Sunset and ended at Sunrise. And, that’s all I can tell you about it. But, afterward, one of the older medicine men had told me of a prayer. A prayer simply called “Wolf Prayer.”

While I was at the ceremony, Ajie, Jackie, and Charlie were at my aunt and uncle’s house. And, on Sunday morning, after the ceremony, I’d met them there, then Uncle Paul treated us to breakfast at the restaurant. After breakfast I’d taken Ajie, Charlie, and Jacjie over to where the tipi was set up so that they could see it.

After Ajie, Jackie, Charlie, and I had made lunch for us and my aunt and uncle, we headed back to Albuquerque. No stop to see the Eagles today, we were just there just last Sunday. Besides, both Amy and I had things to do before our classes on Monday.

When we were back at the apartment and had said so long to Charlie and Jackie, Amy and I worked on what we needed to work on for next week. When we finished that, we made our weekly call to our parents.

While I was talking to my parents, I said, “Dad, since it looks like we’re going to be staying out here, at least for a while, let’s get the ‘57 Chevy shipped out.”

“It does look like you’re going to be out there for a while.”, my dad said. “Your mom and I figured that you were going to stay. And we don’t blame you.

“I’ll get the ball rolling on getting the car out there. And, you wanted that shipped in a closed hauler. Right?”

“Right, dad. Just get it scheduled, and let me know when it’ll get here. A Saturday would be best.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Let me know what it’s going to cost, and I’ll send you a check.”

“Will do.”

We continued to talk, and I told my mom about the ceremony in the tipi. And, having the one medicine man tell me the “Wolf Prayer.” I repeated it to her, and she said the same thing that Ajie had said, “That is you, Kai.”

After we’d talked to both of our parents, we fixed a light dinner, then just relaxed until bedtime.

As I was stretched out on the bed waiting for Amy to finish in the bathroom, I was thinking. Thinking about the ceremony and in particular one part of it. And it was bothering me.

Amy came into the bedroom. Took her robe off and looked at me. I couldn’t help but look at her and smile, she was naked. We usually slept that way. She looked at me and asked, “Honey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”, I replied.

“Wrong. Something is bothering you.”

“It’s not important.”

“Yes, it is. It’s something about the ceremony. Isn’t it?”

“Yes, and I don’t know if I should or can tell you.”

“Love. If it’s bothering you, then it’s worth talking about.”

“Okay. … It’s something that was done during the ceremony.”. I said.

“I figured that much.”, Amy said.

“They had some peyote there.”

“Are you kidding me? Peyote!”

“No.”

“I know that the natives believe in its curative properties, but it’s also a hallucinogenic.”

“I know.”

“Was it the cactus itself, or was it mescaline?”

“The cactus. They took the cactus, crushed it, and we scooped it out of the bowl with our fingers.”

“At least it wasn’t pure mescaline. How much did you take?”

“Not much.”, I said. “Just a little bit on two fingers.”

“Well, you probably didn’t get much.”, Amy replied. “How did you feel?”

“Kind of weird. And I didn’t like it.”

“Like what kind of weird?”

“Things appeared brighter, more vivid.”

“How long did it last?”

“A couple of hours. And I really didn’t like how I felt.”

“It could have lasted up to twelve hours, so you really didn’t get much.”

“You seem to know a lot about it?”

“We get mescaline overdoses once in a while in the ER. So, it’s something you learn about.”

“Going to do it again, little girl?”, Amy asked.

“No way.”, I replied

“Good girl. You just needed to talk about it. Didn’t you?”

“Yeah. And, you’re the best and easiest one to talk to.”

Sunday night turned from a talk to a foot massage. I made it up to Amy for not being with her on Saturday night.

Monday was interesting. After I’d taught my classes and had gone to my grad-level class, I picked up Dr. Joe at his office, and we went for lunch. When we were back at his office, Dr. Joe said, “Kai, I’ve made it through about one-third of the write up on the project, and I don’t think it’s going to be too bad. But, I’ll wait to hear what you have to say.”

“I’ve made it about halfway through it the other day, and I agree.”, I said. “It will be interesting, but not too hard. But, I’ll hold my final call on this until I finish reading the write-up and see the specifications on that integrated circuit.”

“I’ve got some papers to grade. So, why don’t you read? And, we’ll hope that the paperwork on the integrated circuit gets here soon.”

Dr. Joe sat at the work table and went to work grading papers. I retrieved the project binder out of the file cabinet, sat at Dr. Joe’s desk, and picked up where I’d left off reading.

We’d been at it about an hour when the phone rang, Dr. Joe said, “Kai, would you get that?”

I picked up the phone and said, “Dr. Oshie’s office. This is Kai Nez.” … “Oh, hi, Sara.” … “Yes, we’re expecting a package.” ... “We need to sign for it. Okay, I’ll be right down.” … “Bye.”

I hung up the phone, looked at Dr. Joe, and said, “I think that paperwork on the integrated circuit is here. I’ll run down and get it.”

“I figured that’s what the call was about.”

I got up, put the binder back in the file cabinet, and locked it. I grabbed my purse, and as I walked out the office door, I said, “I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be here.”, Dr. Joe said.

I ran down to the engineering college’s office. And as I walked in, I saw Sara and a mailman. Sara said, “There you are Kai.”

The mailman looked at me and said, “Are you Dr. Joe Oshie or Miss Kai Nez.”

I gave the mailman a questioning look.

Then he said, “Oh. You must be Miss Nez.”

“Yes, I’m Kai Nez.”, I said.

“Do you have any identification?”

I opened my purse and dug out my driver's license and university ID, and handed them to him.

Then Sara said, “I’ll vouch for her.”

The mailman handed my license and ID back, then he gave me a clipboard, and said, “If you sign here, the package is all yours.”

I took the clipboard, and looked the paper over. The package was from the manufacture of the integrated circuit, so I signed for it. Then I handed the clipboard to him and said, “Here you go.”

And, as he handed me a manila envelope, he said, “And, here you go.”

“Thank you.”

As the mailman left and the door closed behind him, Sara quietly asked, “Kai what went on with you and Sheila Wilson the other day?”

I whispered, “This goes no further. A company here in Albuquerque was looking to recruit me. And, she was an insider for them. And, I caught on to her.”

“So, that’s why she resigned.”

“They gave her an option, resign, or be fired.”

“Probably more than she deserved.”

“My thoughts exactly. Gotta run.”

“Okay, Kai. See you later.”

With a smile, I said, “Hágoónee', Sara.”

“What did you say?”

“Hágoónee'. I’m just trying to teach you a little Navajo.”

“What’s that mean?”

“It can mean a few things, but we use it to say, see you later.”

“Well, then, hágoónee', Kai.”

“Hagoónee', Sara.”

And, I headed back to Dr. Joe’s office. As I let myself in, Dr. Joe looked up, and asked, “Well, was it what we thought it was?”

As I held up the envelope, I said, “I hope so.”

I walked over to Dr. Joe’s desk, set my purse down, dropped the envelope on the desk, and sat. I opened the envelope, took the contents out, and looked at it, then said, “This is the technical data that we’ve been waiting for.”

“Good.”, Dr. Joe said. “Now, we have one more piece to the puzzle.”

“I hope. Let me read this over and see what I can make of it.”

“I’ve got a class, so I’ll leave you alone.”

“Okay. How long are you going to be gone?”

“Two hours. Maybe a little more.”

“Okay, I may be gone when you get back. And, if I am, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, Kai. Have fun reading.”

“Oh, I will. Not. Hágoónee', Dr. Joe.”

“See you later, Kai.”

Dr. Joe left and locked the door. I picked up the information on the integrated circuit, leaned back in the desk chair, and started reading. As I read, it became evident that this was a special integrated circuit. Where does this fit into the puzzle? What does it do?

Before I knew it, I heard a key in the door, I looked over as it opened, and Dr. Joe walked in. He looked at me and said, “Kai, what are you still doing here.”

“Have you been gone two hours?”, I asked.

“Yes, a little more than two hours.”

“I guess I became too engrossed in reading about this integrated circuit.”

“But, there isn’t that much.”

“There is if you read it, and then go back and reread it more carefully.”, I said.

“Is it that interesting?”, Dr. Joe asked.

“It’s getting there. I’ve got to finish reading the write up on the project, and then start thinking of designing the circuit that they want.”

“Go home. It’s getting late.”

I looked at the time and said, “Amy’s going to be worried.”

“Call her.”

I picked up the phone and dialed the apartments number. After about four rings, I heard Amy say, “Hello.”

“Amy. Honey.”, I said. “I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

“That’s okay. I know that you have all that paperwork on the new project to go over. But it’s going to cost you.”

“Cost me what?”

“Take me out to dinner.”

“Where?”

“The drive-in.”

“I’ll be right home. Hágoónee'.”

“Hágoónee', love.”

As I hung up the phone, Dr. Joe asked, “What’s it going to cost you?”

“I just have to take her out to dinner.”, I replied.

“You didn’t sound too unhappy about that.”

“A double cheeseburger with pickles, fries, and a ginger ale milkshake. What about that would make me unhappy?”

“Knowing you. Nothing.”

I looked at Dr. Joe for a second, then said, “Want to go with us?”

“You don’t want us along.”

“Why not.”

“Well, let me call Mary.”

Dr. Joe called Mary. Then I called Amy back. Dr. Joe and I went and picked up Amy, then the three of us picked up Mary. And, we headed to the drive-in and had a nice dinner together and talked about anything but the university.

The next couple of days were just classes and working on the research project. So, nothing much to tell about.

Friday after classes, I started doing a rough circuit diagram. But, something just wasn’t right. I sat back and looked at the drawing I’d done. When Dr. Joe walked into his office, he said, “So, Kai, how’s it going?”

“I’m not sure.”, I replied.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure. But, something doesn’t look right.”

“Oh?”

“Come look.”

Dr. Joe walked over and looked at the drawing that I’d done. He studied it for a couple of minutes, then said, “You’ve gotten the inputs that they want. It looks like the integrated circuits are okay. And, it looks as if you’ve got the output that they want.”

“But, I just don’t think it’ll work. And, I don’t even want to do a breadboard circuit from this.”

“So, what do you think is wrong?”

“I’m not sure. And, with that one rare integrated circuit being at the output, I don’t want to destroy it by inputting the wrong thing into it.”

“I agree.”

“I need to get away from this, and maybe something will come to me.”

“Okay. I don’t want you back here until Monday.”

“You can count on it.”

Both Dr. Joe and I called it a day. So, we locked up everything, and he headed home, and I headed to the apartment. Amy was working a split shift at the ER today, so I’d be picking her up at eight. Maybe pizza and wine at Nunzio's.

Amy was tired and needed a shower before dinner. So, we decided to call Nunzio's and have them deliver. While Amy went upstairs to take a shower, I called Nunzio's and ordered. They were busy, so it would be forty-five minutes before they could deliver. They finaly delivered the pizza about ten minutes after Amy had come back downstairs.

I broke out a bottle of wine, and we sat at the kitchen table. As we ate, Amy told me about her day, and I told her about mine. Then I said, “You know. I’d love to get away for the weekend. Are you working this weekend?”

“No.”, Amy replied. “Are you thinking about the resort?”

“No. You know, we’ve never seen the southern part of New Mexico.”

“So, you want to drive south?”

“Yeah. Maybe down to Las Cruces.”

I dug out the directory of the motels that Amy and I had used when we drove between Ohio and New Mexico and found that there were a couple in the Las Cruces area. We read the write-ups on them, picked one, called the motel, and they had a vacancy for tomorrow night, so I made a reservation. Then we walked next door and told Charlie and Jackie what we were doing this weekend, so we wouldn’t be around until later on Sunday. They told us to have a safe trip. And, we visited for a while.

Since we didn’t want to take all the silver jewelry with us, at nine o’clock Saturday morning, we were at the bank putting it in the safe deposit box. Then we headed south on I-25 which follows the Rio Grande River.

Both of us were dressed in shorts, blouses, and sneakers. Both of us had our hair in a ponytail, and we did have on a few pieces of jewelry, a couple rings each, and a bracelet or two. The only necklace was our ever-present meteorite ones. And, yes it’s early March, and it might only be in the low seventies in Las Cruces, but being from Ohio a temperature in the low seventies in March is almost hot.

As we drove south on Interstate 25 the only green we saw was along the river, all the rest, as we figured it would be, was desert. Some of the mountains to the east were green, but nothing else, Well, after all, we are in the desert southwest.

We were going to make one stop on our way south, so at San Antonio, we turned east on Rt. 380. And, while we were in San Antonio, we filled up the car, grabbed an early lunch, checked to be sure our water bottles were full, then we continued east, crossing the Rio Grande River. We were going to go deeper into the desert.

A short time later we turned south on State Route 3623, and followed that to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Route 13. Then we followed WSMR Route 13 to a tall chain-link fence. Mounted on that fence, every so often, were two different signs, one had “No Trespassing. US Government Property White Sands Missile Range.” printed on it, the other sign was yellow with a black three bladed emblem on it.

We continued on WSMR Route 13 with the fence on our left until we came to a locked gate in the fence. There was a parking lot, but not much else. We parked, and near the gate, we found a sign that said, “Trinity Site” and it explained what happened here July 16, 1945.

It was scary to think that Amy and I were standing about three-tenths of a mile from ground zero of the explosion of the world’s first atomic bomb.

After standing there in silence for a few minutes, we headed south on WSMR Route 13 and wound our way to US Route 70 that took us into Las Cruces. Our motel wasn’t far off the campus of New Mexico State University. So, before checking into the motel, we drove around the campus. It’s a nice campus, but we liked the use of adobe-style construction in the buildings on our campus better.

We stopped at the motel, checked into our room, and asked about a good place for dinner. They told us about a restaurant that was in one of the original Butterfield Overland Stagecoach stops, and that they had good food. So, after we settled into our room, we followed the directions that we were given to the La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant.

As we drove up to the restaurant, Amy said, “Looking at the building, it feels like we’re out in the 1860’s wild west.”

“It does.”, I replied. “It’s a shame that it’s nestled among all the other buildings.”

“Looking at all the cars around, the food must be good.”

This was a typical one-story adobe-style building with hitching posts outside. The landscaping is done with a lot of cactus and desert plants. Walking into the restaurant was like stepping back into the wild west. While we waited for a table, we looked around the lobby, and it had a lot of things from the wild west on the walls. The only downside was the restaurant was in a tourist area. We found a postcard of how the stagecoach stop looked like years ago and bought a few to send to our parents and friends.

Once we were seated, we looked at the menu, and there was a problem with the menu. Everything sounds good. It was going to be hard to choose. So, we asked our waiter.

He suggested for an appetizer that we try their Chile Con Queso, which is a combination of melted cheeses and chopped green chiles served with hot fresh corn tortillas. Then for dinner, he recommended a dish that originated here at the restaurant in the 1930s called Tostados Compuestas. It’s made with corn tortilla cups filled with frijoles and red chile con carne, topped with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese. And, you order it by the cup. We asked him how big the cups were and using his hands, he showed us. I looked at Amy and said, “If I order two and you order one, will you split the second one with me?”

“I’ll try.”, Amy replied.

So we ordered the Chile Con Queso for an appetizer and the Tostados Compuestas for dinner. I ordered two cups and Amy ordered one.

We both ordered a sangria to drink. I know, I’m driving, but I’ll also have food in my stomach. The waiter suggested a pitcher of sangria. I asked the waiter, “Is the sangria good?”

“Si, miss, it’s very good.”, the waiter replied.

So, we went with the pitcher of sangria.

As we waited for our food, Amy said, “Did you see that they have breakfast?”

“Yes.”, I replied. “Are you thinking of coming here for breakfast tomorrow?”

“If the dinner is any good, yes.”

“I noticed that they also have fried ice cream for dessert.”

“I was wondering if you saw that.”

Our dinner was delicious, and after we finished our Mexican fried ice cream dessert, I knew where we were coming for breakfast. As we were paying the bill, I said to Amy, “I wonder if there’s a good place to see the stars out here?”

The man at the cash register said, “You could try the Leasburg Dam State Park.”

“Is it away from the city?”, Amy asked.

“It’s about twenty-five minutes north along the Rio Grande.”

“What’s there?”, I asked.

“Of course there’s the dam. Some campsites, but at this time of year there won’t be many if any, people camping. Plus, you’ll be away from the city. And the stars will be brilliant.”

“Sounds good. Thanks. How do we get there.”

The man took out a small map of the Las Cruces area and a pencil. He made a mark on the map and said, “You’re here.”

Then as he drew a route on the map, he told us the street names that we would be on. And, marked where the state park was. Then as he handed me the map, he said, “Can I ask you two something?”

“Sure.”, I said.

“First, my name is Ilesh Gonzalez, I’m an amateur geologist, and I couldn’t help but notice your necklaces. They’re meteorites, aren’t they?”

“Yes.”

“They’re stunning. Can I ask where you got them?”

Amy and I looked at each other.

The man then said, “I’m a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe. And seeing that you two are indians, I know that there is a chance that these meteorites may be special.”

“I’m Kai Nez, and this is my cousin Ajie Nez, and we’re Navajo.”, I said. “We live in Albuquerque, and we found the stones when we were hiking in the mountains northwest of Santa Fe.”

“Oh, the sacred mountains.”

Again, Amy and I looked at each other.

“Yes.”, the man said. “I know of the sacred mountains.”

“Yes, it was in the sacred mountains.”, I said.

“It’s rare to see four meteorites from the sacred mountains in one place.”

“When we found them a friend, who is a medicine man, said that we should have them made into necklaces. So, we did.”

“I've heard that only the person that is to have the meteorites can wear them. Is that true?”

“Yes. We had friends try to wear them, and the clasps wouldn’t open for them.”

“That’s interesting. You two are special to your people. Aren’t you?”

“We’ve been told that, so I guess we are.”

“I thought that there was something about you. Not many have the meteorites, and you each have two. I’d ask to see them closer, but I know that you shouldn’t take them off.”

“We’ve only taken them off a few times, and each time it was only for a short time. But, I feel good about you.”

I reached behind my neck, undid the clasp, and handed my necklace to the man. He carefully took it from me and looked at the meteorites very carefully. Then as he gave it back to me, he said, “Those meteorites are very nice. Thank you very much for letting me see them.”

“You’re welcome. And, thank you for the information on the state park.”

“Come back and see us the next time you’re down this way.”

“I think that you’ll see us for breakfast.”

“Good. We have some great things.

“Wait a second. You said that your Navajo, but you both have blue eyes.”

I smiled and said, “Yes, we both have Anglo blood. It’s a recessive gene thing.”

“I see. That’s interesting.”

“We explain it all the time.”

“I bet you do.”

Amy and I left the restaurant and followed the man’s directions to the state park. When we reached the park, we found a good place to park, got out of the car, leaned against the front of it, and started star gazing. And the stars were amazing. There was just so many.

We’d been there about half an hour when we heard someone walking towards us. I turned, looked, and it was a park ranger. He walked up to us and asked, “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.”, I said. “We’re just looking at the stars.”

“They are something else out here, aren’t they?”

“Yes. I’m just amazed by how many you can see here when you’re away from the city lights.”

Then Amy pointed, and said, “There’s a shooting star.”

The ranger and I looked, and we both said, “Yes.”

I touched my meteorite without thinking, as did Amy. I guess the ranger didn’t notice because he didn’t say anything. As he was walking away, the ranger said, “Stay as long as you like. The park is open all the time.”

“Thank you.”, I said. “Have a good night.”

We stayed at the park for another hour or so, and then headed back to the motel. They had a pool, but it wasn’t open yet. It was too cold. So, Amy and I went into our room. Each room has a small patio in front of it with two chairs and a small table. So, we sat outside for a while. Then we went into our room, as Amy took a shower, I found the university’s radio station on the radio, and I waited for Amy to come out of the shower. When she did, she had a towel wrapped around herself, and she said, “The showers all yours love.”

I went into the bathroom and took my shower, and when I came out, I also had a towel wrapped around my waste. Amy looked up at me from the bed, and, yes, she was completely naked. She smiled, and said, “My Prince, I am so happy that you came on my visit to this wild and woolly part of the kingdom.”

“My Queen, with the King on his quest, someone had to accompany you to this wild place.”

“Yes, my Prince, I feel very safe with you here in my bedchamber. And, I’ll feel even safer with you sleeping next to me.”

“But, my Queen, we never sleep.”

“Oh, my Prince, sleep is a waste of time when we are together.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

“I require a foot massage.”

“Your wish is my command, my Queen.”

I dropped my towel on the floor, and …

At about two-thirty on Sunday morning, I sat straight up in bed, and loudly said, “Damn!”

Amy startled awake and said, “Honey, what’s wrong.”

“I just figured it out.”

“Figured out what?”

“What’s wrong with the circuit that we’re working on for Los Alamos.”

“That’s good love. Now, go back to sleep.”

“I love you.” And, I kissed Amy. And, somehow I actually did get back to sleep and slept well for the rest of the night.

Sunday morning when I woke up, Amy was lying there looking at me. I smiled at her and said, “Good morning, love.”

“Good morning.”, Amy replied. “Did you really have to wake me up at two-thirty in the morning?”

“Sorry. But, I just figured out what was bothering me about the project.”

“I’m glad. But, next time, don’t yell so loud. You scared me.”

“Sorry.”

We got up, dressed, loaded the car, checked out of the motel, and went to breakfast. Yes, we went back to the La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant for breakfast, and it was a really nice Mexican breakfast. The man, Ilesh Gonzalez, who was there last night wasn’t there this morning.

Our drive down to Las Cruces had taken about four and a half hours, not counting stops. Once you get off the Interstates and onto the state and county roads, things slow down, and the roads in the White Sands Missile Range are two lanes and winding. The drive home should only take three hours if we stay on I-25, but we’ll make stops. One for sure stop is just so we can say that we were there.

That stop was only an hour north of La Cruces, and that was at city called Truth or Consequences. Yes, there really is a town by that name in New Mexico, and it is named after the television show. We really drove through town to see the Elephant Butte Lake which was made by the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam across the Rio Grande River. It was interesting to see marine facilities in the middle of the desert, but with the lake providing a large recreation area I guess you need things like that.

As we continued our drive to Albuquerque, we had a need to use the restroom, so I pulled into one of the rest stops. It appeared to be well taken care of with a lot of landscaping using desert plants, and a nice brick building. But, along the walkway leading to the building from the parking lot, along with some concrete benches, were signs warning to stay on the walkway because of poisons snakes. And, as we walked towards the building, you could hear rustling in the underbrush.

Just as Amy and I were walking out of the building, we heard a scream. We looked to where it came from, and we saw some guy standing off of the walkway in the underbrush. We walked down to where he was, and the woman that must have been with him was in hysterics. Amy asked, “What happened?”

All the woman could do was cry, and scream, “He’s going to die. He’s going to die.”

Amy looked at me and said, “See if you can calm her down. And, I’m going to see what happened to him.”

“Amy, don’t walk into that underbrush.”, I said. “You might get bitten by a snake too.”

“You’re right.”

Then Amy, in her take charge voice, said to the man, “Sir, can you walk out here to me, so that I can check on you. And watch where you’re walking!”

The man appeared to be a lot calmer than the woman was. He carefully walked towards us. And, I tried to calm the woman down by talking to her. I told her that Amy was an emergency room nurse and has treated several snake bites. But, she kept screaming that the man was going to die.

Amy looked at her and said, “Ma’am, I’m a nurse and you are not helping him by being so upset. You need to calm down. I’ve treated several snake bites, and have never seen anyone die from one. And, he isn’t going to be the first.”

The woman started to calm down, and the man made it to us. Amy had the man sit on one of the benches. He looked at the woman and said, “For God’s sake, Betty. Calm down. I heard this girl tell you that she was an emergency room nurse. So, she’s going to know what to do.”

Then Amy asked the guy, “Sir, what’s your name?”

“Paul Miller.”, the man said. “And, I feel so stupid. I live around here and know better than to walk into an area like that, but I saw a plant that I wanted to look at.”

As Amy knelt and lifted the guys pants leg, she said, “Mr. Miller, My name is Amy Young. I am an emergency room nurse. Did you see what bit you?”

“Yes, a big snake.”

“I do see two puncture wounds on your lower leg.”

“What do we need to do?”

“Get you to a hospital.”

“I’m not going to die. Am I?”

“No. Most of the people who have died from snake bites, died because they didn’t get medical help.

“Did you see the snake?”

“Yes.”

“Can you describe it?”

“Yeah. It was kind of gray, maybe three or four feet long, with diamonds down it’s back.”, the man replied. “I think it was a Diamondback Rattlesnake.”

“Yes, it sounds like a Western Diamondback.”, Amy said. We need to get you on some anti-venom to counteract the venom. The Diamondback’s venom is hemotoxic and affects blood cells and vessels. And, the sooner you get the anti-venom, the better.

“I’ll tell you what we’re going to do. We’re going to load you into our car and take you to the nearest city with a hospital.”

“I think we’re closer to Truth or Consequences then to Albuquerque.”, I said.

“Mr. Miller, can we leave your car here?”

“Yes, we live in Truth or Consequences. So, I can get a ride back up here.”

“Good. I really don’t want you walking, but you’re too big for us to carry. So, we’ll help you.”

We helped Mr. Miller stand and then helped him slowly walk to our car. He sat in the back seat with Amy, and Mrs. Miller, who had calmed down, sat up front with me.

To make a long story short, when we got to Truth or Consequences, Mrs. Miller directed us to the hospital. We spent about a half hour there with Amy telling their ER staff what had happened. Then, we wished the Millers good luck, said so long
to them and started on our way back to Albuquerque.

As we got in the car, Amy said, “Not bad for a small hospital. And, they had anti-venom. But, I would have felt better taking him to Albuquerque.”

“Is Mr. Miller going to be alright here?”, I asked.

“Yes, they see their fair share of trauma cases here. Some they ship to us in Albuquerque after they’ve stabilized them. But, they handled Mr. Miller quickly and properly.”

We were back in Albuquerque about two hours after we’d left Truth or Consequences for the second time. A three-hour drive had taken more than six hours.

When we talked to our parents, my dad told me that the ‘57 Chevy would be delivered this coming Friday sometime after one in the afternoon. And, the truck driver would call when they were in town and let me know where to pick up the car.

With the drive, especially today’s drive, and waking up in the middle of the night, I was tired but excited about the ‘57 being here in less than a week. And, Nunzio's saved the day by delivering two pizzas and anchovies. Yes, we had pizza with Charlie and Jackie.

As we were eating, we told Charlie and Jackie about our weekend. The only thing that brought any real comment was when we told them about visiting the Trinity Site. And, Jackie asked, “Weren’t you afraid about all the radiation?”

“We were a long way from the actual ground zero, and I don’t think that they’d let you get too close.”, Amy replied.

Then I asked if their garage was still available, and Charlie said, “Sure. Are you getting the car shipped out here?”

“It’ll be here sometime after one this coming Friday afternoon.”, I replied.

“Honey.”, Amy said. “I just remembered, they have me scheduled to work a split from Noon till eight on Friday..”

“Oh, that might be a problem.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m free on Friday afternoon.”, Charlie said.

“Are you sure?”

“Sure, Kai. I can’t wait to get a ride in that ‘57.”

“Can I go along too?", Jackie asked.

“Of course. And you may get a ride in the ‘57 before Charlie does. Because I’ll have him drive the ‘67 back here.”

With a fake pout, Charlie said, “No fair.”

“Charlie, then I’ll take both you and Jackie for a ride before I put it away.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Okay.”

“I have an idea.”, Amy said.

“What’s that?”, I asked.

“If all three of you don’t mind a late dinner, you could pick me up at eight, and we could go to the drive-in.”

“I like your thinking.”, Jackie said.

“Me too.”, Charlie added.

“It might be too cold to put the top down.”, I said.

“We can always wear coats.”, Amy said. “And, I’ll even change before you pick me up.”

“Sounds good to me.”, Charlie said.