An Accident at Home

27 An Accident at Home After a day of hard work as a construction worker, Kevin's father was happy to return home. His plan was to take a shower, and then to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Just as he was finishing his shower, the phone rang. " Dad, it's for you. Hurry up! " Kevin shouted. His father rushed to finish up his shower. As he was getting out of the bath, he slipped and fell on the floor. " Owww! " Kevin's dad cried loudly. He had fallen with the whole weight of his body on his left foot! Hearing the shout, Kevin ran to check and found his dad lying on the floor with his left foot twisted nearly 180 degrees. It looked like it was broken. His father's face turned pale, and he said calmly to his son, “ Kevin, call your mom and tell her to come home. " Kevin punched the numbers nervously, and repeated to his mom what his Dad had just said. His mother worked at a nearby grocery store and was home in less than ten minutes. Together, they helped Kevin's father hop on one leg to the car in the garage.

Mom drove the car directly to the emergency room at the hospital. The doctor checked the foot carefully, and then asked Kevin's dad to hold his breath. All of a sudden, the doctor twisted Kevin's father's foot to set it back to the correct place. “ Ahhh! " The sound his dad made was horrible. But his left foot was back in its normal position. The doctor explained to Kevin's father that he would need to use crutches to walk for at least three weeks. “ Slipping on a wet floor or in the bathtub is one of the most common accidents around the home, " the doctor said. " It can be very dangerous. Some people fall and bump their heads on the edge of a piece of furniture, causing serious concussions. " Kevin's mom comforted Dad, “ It could be worse, " she said. " Next time, don't rush to get out of the bathtub. "