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“… But that’s a wife’s job,” she chuckled easily. “To talk sense into her husband, remember?”
They shared a smile – and for the first time in forever, he felt like things might be okay after all.
Time passed and after both of them had eaten, Max tried shutting his eyes to rest. Daphne was right beside him in the hospital recliner and had her feet curled up underneath her, her head sagging and propped on her fist, trying to sleep. He felt bad for her, felt guilty for being in the bed because she looked so uncomfortable and immediately reached up, yanking the pillow out from under his head.
“Can you take this,” he said evasively, trying to play it off. “I don’t need it, and I think it’s giving me a headache.”
He was hoping she would take it and try to get a little more comfortable – and nearly let out a sigh of relief, seeing her do just that. She looked so exhausted, so groggy, and he saw that it was nearly two in the morning now and pressed the ‘Call’ button.
A nurse walked in a few moments later to check on him.
“Can she get something to lie down on,” he asked bluntly, “Or can you help me scoot over in the bed so she can sleep beside me? I can’t rest if I’m worried about my wife.”
“Max…”
“Mr. Collins, um, Mrs. Collins, you can push back the chair slightly…” the nurse began.
Max felt a surge of frustration, immediately sitting upward. He braced his arms on the rails and lifted himself bodily, causing a flurry of movement from both the nurse and Daphne as she scrambled out of her chair. He pinned his body to the side of the bed and winced as he bumped his leg by accident. The limb was a lot lighter, and he had not anticipated that when he was moving it.
“Mr. Collins, I don’t think that you…”
“Yeah, well, if I can’t get some rest because I’m worried about her, then we’re all gonna have a problem,” he snapped and patted the bed beside him. “Daphne. Come sit down.”
“Max,” Daphne began, silently trying to communicate something with him.
“Look, I’m a scrawny guy, and you look like one good gust of wind could bowl you over. It’s not like we’re gonna break the bed or have sex… okay? I need some sleep, and every time I look at you, your head is lolling where you are trying to stay upright. I can’t do it – so just get in the bed and lie down beside me,” he said bluntly… and saw her slight smile.
“Yes sir,” she replied quietly, feeling something turn over in his chest as he turned to the nurse.
“Could we get another warm blanket and an extra pillow?”
“Of course.”
Daphne gingerly sat down beside him, and he didn’t hesitate – he reached for her hand once more and sighed in contentment before closing his eyes.
“You are quite the rebel, aren’t you?” she whispered – and he turned his head to look at her, marveling at just how lovely she was and how stunning her large dark eyes were. “You just have to have things your way, and we both know there isn’t supposed to be two people to one hospital bed.”
“It’s stubbornness,” he said simply. “And it was true – I can’t sleep.”
“You don’t have to watch out for me. I’ll be fine.”
“Why not?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers. “You’ve been watching out for me, haven’t you? I kinda assumed it’s something that spouses just do for each other.”
“I suppose so,” she breathed, smiling slightly. “Even pretend ones.”
“Even pretend ones,” he repeated and nodded. A moment later, there was another blanket brought in, and Daphne fidgeted, trying to get comfortable while giving him space only for him to draw her close to his side, urging her silently to rest her head on his shoulder.
“Max…”
“Shh… I’m tired.”
“Youarestubborn, aren’t you?” she chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder and sighing. He couldn’t help but snuggle up against her, realizing just how nice it was to have someone there – and treasuring the simple way it felt just right in this crazy world.
“Very,” he replied, closing his eyes. “Get some rest.”
“You too.”
And he laid his cheek against the top of her head.
