1950s: Independence Day at the Park
Long before it's time for summer holidays, Oasis Creek is experiencing heat wave temperatures. The upside - or downside - to living in the desert. For Thomas and Betty it means they do what they can to keep cool. On one of his days off Thomas takes his entire family to the park. The toddlers play in the sand-box, while Betty relaxes and gets the chance to catch up on some knitting while they play.
Thomas, on the other hand, remembers going to this very park when he was a lot younger. Of finding the entrance to an old mine, but never being allowed to go inside by his father. "Want to go exploring?" he asks Michael who is only too ready to get going. An adventure? With dad? What could be more fun?
It doesn't take Thomas long to find the old mine shaft again, although he's surprised to find that it's still open. He'd had expected someone to board it up again a long time ago. How much simpler for them then.
"I'll go first and see if it's safe," he tells Michael, before heading in.
Once inside, a whole new world opens up. There are crystals everywhere, lit by something unseen, and an underground lake filled with fish. Thomas calls on Michael, and the two set out to explore this cave. It's not very big, and apart from old boxes from the time it was an active mine there isn't much besides the lake.
"Wouldn't it be cool if we caught dinner down here?" Michael asks. Thomas is not a big fisher, but how can he say no to his son?
Back on top, Betty is doing her best to entertain the toddlers. Luckily they're happy as long as they can run around and play. So is the dog, who is chasing every squirrel he sees, and probably a few imaginary ones as well.
By the time Michael and Thomas is out of the cave and the family has eaten, the toddlers are tired, the family ready for bed and Winston in desperate need for a bath. They head home, where Thomas gets put on doggy-bathing duty while Betty makes sure all kids go to bed.
The next day it's back to work for Thomas. What starts out as another routine day ends up more dramatic as one of the patients collapse in the entry with a cardiac arrest. Thomas rushes the man to surgery and manage to save his life.
At the end of the day he's called into the chief of staff's office, and offered another promotion. The chief of staff is moving on to a bigger (and fancier) hospital, and he wants Thomas to take over. Thomas can hardly believe it. Chief of staff - at 34! That's basically unheard of, even at a small hospital like this one. Of course he accepts!
The next night the entire family goes out to celebrate at a local Mexican restaurant. It's the first time they do, and while it's a little stressful with two toddlers, it's a nice night for everyone.
Times flies, and before they know it Independence day and the start of the holidays are coming up. The entire family gather's at the park that day, enjoying the sun and each other's company. Michael and Thomas has a swimming race (Thomas lets Michael win),
Even Arthur has come (supposedly NACA also celebrate holidays) and is taking a crack at dart to the other's amusement. Hazel cools off in the kiddie pool and even Josephine let's herself relax a bit. She even let Cora persuade her to go on the swings. It's a bit silly really, but Josephine laughs so hard that she almost forgets that she doesn't really approve of Cora being invited to family gatherings.
After eating bbq ribs and baked potato, Thomas sets off some fourth of July fireworks that they all enjoy. By this time the toddlers are already fast asleep on a bench. Thomas and Betty take each one in their arms as they head on home, tired but happy.
Thomas, on the other hand, remembers going to this very park when he was a lot younger. Of finding the entrance to an old mine, but never being allowed to go inside by his father. "Want to go exploring?" he asks Michael who is only too ready to get going. An adventure? With dad? What could be more fun?
It doesn't take Thomas long to find the old mine shaft again, although he's surprised to find that it's still open. He'd had expected someone to board it up again a long time ago. How much simpler for them then.
"I'll go first and see if it's safe," he tells Michael, before heading in.
Once inside, a whole new world opens up. There are crystals everywhere, lit by something unseen, and an underground lake filled with fish. Thomas calls on Michael, and the two set out to explore this cave. It's not very big, and apart from old boxes from the time it was an active mine there isn't much besides the lake.
"Wouldn't it be cool if we caught dinner down here?" Michael asks. Thomas is not a big fisher, but how can he say no to his son?
Back on top, Betty is doing her best to entertain the toddlers. Luckily they're happy as long as they can run around and play. So is the dog, who is chasing every squirrel he sees, and probably a few imaginary ones as well.
By the time Michael and Thomas is out of the cave and the family has eaten, the toddlers are tired, the family ready for bed and Winston in desperate need for a bath. They head home, where Thomas gets put on doggy-bathing duty while Betty makes sure all kids go to bed.
The next day it's back to work for Thomas. What starts out as another routine day ends up more dramatic as one of the patients collapse in the entry with a cardiac arrest. Thomas rushes the man to surgery and manage to save his life.
At the end of the day he's called into the chief of staff's office, and offered another promotion. The chief of staff is moving on to a bigger (and fancier) hospital, and he wants Thomas to take over. Thomas can hardly believe it. Chief of staff - at 34! That's basically unheard of, even at a small hospital like this one. Of course he accepts!
The next night the entire family goes out to celebrate at a local Mexican restaurant. It's the first time they do, and while it's a little stressful with two toddlers, it's a nice night for everyone.
Times flies, and before they know it Independence day and the start of the holidays are coming up. The entire family gather's at the park that day, enjoying the sun and each other's company. Michael and Thomas has a swimming race (Thomas lets Michael win),
Even Arthur has come (supposedly NACA also celebrate holidays) and is taking a crack at dart to the other's amusement. Hazel cools off in the kiddie pool and even Josephine let's herself relax a bit. She even let Cora persuade her to go on the swings. It's a bit silly really, but Josephine laughs so hard that she almost forgets that she doesn't really approve of Cora being invited to family gatherings.
After eating bbq ribs and baked potato, Thomas sets off some fourth of July fireworks that they all enjoy. By this time the toddlers are already fast asleep on a bench. Thomas and Betty take each one in their arms as they head on home, tired but happy.
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