“And call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
Kelly got Chester and Ginger and headed out the door.
He has some amazing friends. I wish he could see it.
Rory called the number on Bernard’s prescription and explained the pills had slipped out and fallen in the washbasin. The prescription had refills, so they filled it. He needed to take Bernard to get them tomorrow. He was in no shape to go anywhere today.
Rory went to the backyard. His team had set up a small shed with a generator for Bernard’s greenhouse. They wanted to surprise Bernard for his birthday, but he didn’t get to see it.
I hope he likes it when he’s feeling better. I know how much he wanted to use it.
He called Sarah to tell her what happened to Bernard. The school was on a winter holiday, so he didn’t have to work. Even if they weren’t on break, Bernard was more important to him.
Rory showered and joined Bernard in bed. He held him tight.
“I’m never going to let you go.”
Rory drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Rory woke to groans from Bernard.
“Rory?”
“You’re awake. How do you feel?”
“Like being hit by a Mack truck.”
“That’s to be expected. I’ll go put on some coffee.” He got out of bed. “You should take a shower. You’ve been asleep for a day.”
Bernard stood and stumbled.
“Do you need help?”
“Yes, please.”
“Do you want a bath or a shower?”
“I think I can take a shower.”
Rory undressed Bernard and himself. He helped him into the shower and washed him. Bernard used the wall to steady himself. Rory steadied Bernard as he washed him. He was unstable, and he didn’t want him to fall.
Rory dried and helped him get dressed. They shuffled to the kitchen, and Rory placed Bernard in a seat.
“I’ll make some eggs, sausage, and toast for you, okay?” Bernard just nodded. Rory handed him some aspirin for his head.
“I’ve already called to get you a refill. We can pick it up this afternoon,” Rory said.
“Thank you.”
Why did Bernard do this to himself? He was cheerful, but then it all crashed down around him. Rory’s mind raced. Anything could have happened to Bernard while he wasn’t here. Bernard needed him.
They spent the morning playingChrono Trigger. Rory didn’t understand the appeal of video games, but it made Bernard happy. That’s what was important. Bernard taught him the controls. It was fun to play with him.
In the afternoon, Rory drove Bernard around town to pick up his prescription, grab groceries, and get seeds for his greenhouse.
“You don’t have to do this,” Bernard said.
