Paul pulled down the last of the cartons of literature from the van, and placed it on the luggage cart. He followed Karen into the Exhibits area where they would be busy for the next hour or so to set up the booth for their company. He was not very happy about having to make yet another trip in less than a month to do an exhibit at yet another trade show. He shrugged his shoulders as he watched his boss in the marketing department make her way through the clutter of half opened crates from other companies, who were also participating in this event. He was still thinking about the look on his son's face when he told the family that he had to be away for a few days at this trade show. Little Aaron was disappointed because he wanted his dad to be home for his birthday, which was only a couple of days away. Paul promised to make it up to him, and told him that he would get him a nice, surprise gift for the birthday.
They found the booth, and began unloading. Karen was experienced in this kind of work because she had done a few of these shows. She was the Marketing Director, and Paul's boss. She was a marketing whiz, a beautiful woman with a vivacious figure, and cool as a cat. She was in her mid-thirties, and was always very friendly with everyone without being flirtatious. Paul had recently joined the marketing department, and was secretly delighted that he would be working for her, even though they were pretty much equals in experience and knowledge of the markets. She just happened to be senior to him, but was not in the least bossy. He knew she was married, but she never discussed her personal life. Paul, on the other hand, was always talking about his family.
They worked quickly and set up the booth in about forty five minutes. Karen was visibly tired after the long road trip, and decided to rest. She sat down on one of the chairs, and watched Paul as he put up the display boards. She suggested the layout and alignment of the displays and talked about trade show tricks to use and so on. Paul was standing on a chair, putting up the boards. As he leaned forward to adjust the position of one of the large boards, the chair suddenly tilted and he lost his balance. He grabbed one of the panels for support, just as Karen jumped up to help him. The panel came loose and swung forward, hitting her squarely on the left shoulder, bounced off and fell on her as she stumbled backwards. The corner of the panel scraped her left arm as it slid across her chest, causing a small tear in her te-shirt. She was wearing shorts and tee-shirt, and flat-heeled shoes. As she fell back, the back of her leg rammed against the chair she was sitting in. The chair toppled over, and its leg got caught under her one of the legs of her shorts, as it flipped over. Karen landed on top of the upturned leg of the chair, and howled in pain, rolling over to avoid getting impaled on it. The fall knocked the wind out of her, and she lay on the carpet, gasping and grimacing, her hand pressed against her left breast, and legs pulled tightly together in the fetal position. She fought to control the tears, as her body throbbed with the pain in her left side and in her bottom. Paul quickly ran towards her and knelt down next to her.
"I'm terribly sorry, Karen. It's my fault. I should have used a step stool instead of reaching out so far. Are you hurt badly?"
"It's okay, Paul. I think the panel hit me on the side and on the shoulder. It hurts." She tried to get up with his help, but winced, as soon as she tried to rise on her right foot. "Ouch. The leg of that chair almost speared my bottom. God, it hurts even to walk."
"I feel so terrible. Should I call a doctor? Are you bleeding?"
"I don't know. I am sure the pain will subside in a few minutes. Let me just rest for a while. Why don't you put the panel back up. I am sorry I am not much help to you."
"No, that's okay. You take care of yourself. I'll fix up the display in no time, and then we'll head for the hotel. May be a warm bath will do you some good. You look tired."
"I am tired. Thanks. I will be fine in the morning, and then we'll finish laying out the boards before the show opens. I forgot to thank you for coming along at such a short notice, Paul. I feel bad that you will miss your son's birthday."
"It's okay. I told him I would bring him a nice gift. We'll celebrate after we get back. You have to come."
Karen nodded, and said, "I will. I have to thank him for letting you come on this trip."
They checked in at the hotel, and got adjacent rooms. Paul had to help her walk. Karen had difficulty walking, because of the sharp pain in her bottom where the leg of the chair had poked rather hard. She leaned on him for support, fighting to control her pain. Paul had strong arms, but he felt her weight on him, being acutely aware of the pressure of her breast, as he helped her down the hallway. He went back to retrieve their luggage. When he had brought her suitcase to her room, he asked if she needed any help with unpacking.
Karen declined, and said, "I need to check my shoulder and leg, to see if it looks bad. It is still hurting. I hope there is no swelling."
"Why don't I wait for a few minutes while you check yourself out? I can run out and get some medicine if you like. Do you have any pain killers with you?"
"No, I didn't bring any. Thanks for your help, Paul. But there is no need for you to wait here. You are also tired, and need to unpack. I'll call you if I need any help. I'm going to take a long, hot bath, and then we'll go out for dinner."
Paul shook his head. "You took a nasty fall, Karen. Just go to the bathroom and check out the bruises. I'll wait here."
"I should be okay. The hot bath should take care of it."
"Please. Do what I say. I'll feel better when I know you are okay."
"All right. Come on in, and make yourself comfortable. I'll check it out."
Karen closed the bathroom door behind her. In a few minutes, Paul heard her wail, and quickly got up.
"Are you okay, Karen?"
"No. The panel bruised my left side worse than I thought. The skin is all black and blue. But my butt is really hurting. It is extremely tender and feels like there is a lot of swelling. Unfortunately I can't see anything." Karen said from inside.
"Can I help in any way?"
"This is so embarrassing. I don't know how to explain."
"There is no need. I understand. I saw you fall, Karen. Look, I know this is very embarrassing for you. It is for me also. But it could be serious especially if the skin is punctured. Do you see any blood?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Check your underwear, Karen. This is no time to be modest."
"I know, Paul. Okay. There is some spotting on the panty. I guess I need to get a disinfectant. Could you get some aloe vera gel and some sprain medicine from the pharmacy? Don't get any other kind of disinfectant with alcohol in it. The damn thing really stings. Aloe vera is gentle and soothing."
"I'll be right back. You take it easy, Karen, and take a hot bath. I am sorry for all this. I was clumsy."
"Don't blame yourself, Paul. Thanks for helping."
