Don’t Fall Out Of Bed

PART 1: Charlie lives with his mother after the divorce and is 19 years old. He is a small man 5’ 2” tall weighing only 80 pounds. Charlie has long brown hair and could pass for a girl since he is feminine. Charlie don’t like people saying he looks like a female. He thinks of himself as ruff and rugged. Mother goes along with that to keep him happy.

Mother Doris is 38 years old and got the house and half the savings after the divorce. She is well off but is wondering when Charlie is going to find a job. She knows this is difficult for a small man but he needs to try harder. Doris is happy with long blond hair and normal build for 6’ tall and 180 pounds. Charlie takes after his dad who was a small man.

Things are going good at home except for Charlie’s lack of effort to find a job. Doris lectures him on this and he says he can’t find anything for someone small like he is. Mother knows this is just an excuse for being too lazy and enjoying life at home.

Today is Monday the first of June in the year 1995. Charlie and mom live in the same 3 bedroom house Charlie grew up in. Charlie has his own room with a color TV and stereo. Mom is lecturing him on making more effort to find employment and earn his own income. Charlie still gets an allowance and lives at home for free.

“I hope you apply for more jobs dear,” mother said, “A small man has to work like anyone else.”

“Yes mom, I put in a few applications last week and no one hired me,” Charlie said, “I applied by mail since I don’t have a car.”

“You know I am available to provide transportation Charlie,” mother replied, “l was not asked to take you anywhere.”

“Ok mother tomorrow is another day, I will try harder,” Charlie said.

That conversation ended and the rest of the day was pleasant for Charlie and his mother. That night Charlie went to bed after midnight which annoyed mother. He should be getting up early every day. To everyone’s surprise there is a loud noise around 4 am. Charlie fell out of bed like when he was a small boy. Doris came to his room to find him on the floor with his wind knocked out.

“Charlie! Charlie! Wake up sweetie,” mother exclaimed, “you must have been knocked out when you fell out of bed.”

Doris is scared but notices Charlie is catching his breath again and he responds that he rolled over and hit the floor hard. Charlie is helped up and appears to be fine but shaken up. He is helped back into bed.

“I don’t know why you suddenly fall out of bed like when you were a child,” mother said, “I am glad you appear to be alright.” “I will have to have the doctor see you tomorrow.”

“I don’t think that is necessary mother but I will go if you insist,” Charlie said rolling over and closing his eyes.

Doris said goodnight and it is very late when she goes back to bed. Doris will take Charlie to the Pediatrician since he still uses Dr. Cindy Brown as an adult. Mother falls back to sleep until 8 am arrives. She makes a call to the Pediatrician.

“My son fell out of bed at 4 am this morning and I would like him checked by the doctor,” Doris said to the nurse.

“Sure come right in and Dr. Brown can see him right away,” the nurse said, “I hope nothing serious is wrong.”

Doris is glad to hear this and goes to get Charlie out of bed. He is helped to get dressed being a bit stiff and sore from the fall. Mom is worried and helps Charlie to the car. They arrive at the doctor’s office at 9 am.

“Have a seat Doris and little Charlie can be seen in a few minutes,” Nurse Darlene said, “Charlie will be the first patient of the day.”

Mother and Charlie have a seat in the waiting room. They are called back to an exam room by the nurse within a few minutes. Charlie sits on the exam table waiting to be seen. Dr. Cindy Brown walks in smiling and greets Charlie and Doris.

“I think you are too old to be falling out of bed Charlie,” Dr. Brown said looking more serious, “I hope you were not hurt badly.”

Charlie is already undressed wearing his exam gown and briefs. Dr. Brown removes the gown to look Charlie over. He is noticeably stiff and sore when moving around. There does not appear to be any broken bones. Charlie is bruised from falling on his back and has some strain sprain injuries. He is allowed to get dressed while Dr. Brown talks to mom in private out in the hallway.

“Charlie is young and nothing appears to be broken,” Dr. Cindy Brown said, “he is bruised up a bit and has some strain sprain injuries.” “I have a suggestion you will like but I am sure Charlie will not.”

Dr. Brown explains how dangerous falling out of bed can be and she don’t want this happening again. She explains how long ago Charlie slept in a crib longer due to falling out of bed. Even to Doris this idea seems embarrassing for Charlie. She does not care since he could have been hurt much worse.

“Thank you for the advice, I would not have thought about Charlie sleeping in a crib at his age,” Doris said smiling. “I will get him one.”