Chapter 18: Lies

Karen tried not to show her excitement. Robin had just finished applying the cast. She rested it on pillows and went out to wash her hands. The cast was molded perfectly around Karen's shapely leg. It started at the base of her toes and reached to her hip. There was no bend at the knee. Karen wondered if she would be able to walk on crutches. She eyed the cast for awhile, then wiggled her toes and smiled contentedly.

"Do you like it?" Robin asked.

"What?" Karen mumbled in amazement.

"You know what. The cast."

"I... I think it is... eh... it is cumbersome."

"Cumbersome! Strange, I thought that you liked casts."

"You are wrong," said Karen.

"How did you break your leg?"

"I tripped and fell down the stairs."

"How did you trip?"

"My left leg was casted then. I injured it two months ago. I started climbing down the stairs. One of the crutches slipped off and... you know."

"Don't lie to me, Karen! Your left leg is completely unscathed," Robin said angrily.

Karen blushed.

"You said you tripped. Was that intended?" Robin asked.

"Of course not! How could you even think about such a thing? I just... I just didn't have crutches to support me..."

"Who applied the cast?"

"Me and my friend Lena."

"Listen to me carefully, Karen! If your leg had been immobilized for a month, the way you applied the cast, you could have crippled yourself. The next time you need adventures or have to attract someone, just call me! Is it clear?"

"Yes," Karen mumbled.