“Jesus,” I whisper.
Freddie gives me a small smile, and I’m relieved heknowsLiam. He knows Liam’s lack of care is in fact the opposite. He knows Liam will need him later, when he’s ready.
“Water,” Freddie croaks.
“Coming up,” I say. I twist my body to grab the jug on the bedside cabinet—and yes, there’s that throb in my back. It’s stiffening up fast.
Freddie drags his mask down. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re heavy,” I wink. “Not that I mind carrying you on my back, but as a preference, I’d prefer to carry you on my front. Naked.”
I pour him a glass of water then bring it to his lips. He doesn’t protest my help, but he narrows his eyes as he takes a few sips. “If I had more energy, I’d pour that cup over your head.”
I ease him back down to the pillow, then slide the mask over his lips and nose. He takes it from me, and that evil glare he’s attempting softens to a gaze. He turns his head for a better angle to keep looking at me, and those eyes I’m so grateful to see again fill with tears.
“Babe.” I stroke his cheek. “It’s okay.”
“Thank you.”
“No, no, no, you never have to thank me.”
“I would’ve died—”
I shush him and press my finger to his mask since I can’t touch his lips. “Don’t think about it.”
“You could’ve died if things had gone wrong.”
“I didn’t, and you didn’t, and we’re both still here. And Liam is too, and we’re going to take you home as soon as the doctor gives you the green light. I’ve bought crumpets, and olives, and Smarties, and banana milkshake.”
“Am I dreaming right now?”
I link our fingers again. “That depends. Is it a good kind of dream?”
Freddie nods and his eyes slip shut.
He sleeps most of the day, only waking for the occasional coughing fit. I rub his chest, but I think it helps me just to do something more than it actually helps him. Freddie’s traded whimpers for curses hissed through his teeth. The nurse brings him ice chips and me buttered toast. I doze, then become alert to some sixth sense, some awareness that Freddie’s still asleep but someone else isn’t. I turn, then instantly regret it when my back twinges.
“Thought you could do with these,” Liam says.
He tosses a box of ibuprofen my way, which I catch against my chest. “Thank you.” I spin the box in my hand. “The nurse gave me a quick once-over.”
“You mean he or she checked you out?”
I laugh, but Liam remains straight-faced.
“No, they examined my back and said painkillers and a few days rest should sort me out.”
I pop two pills from the foil packet, then down them with a gulp of Freddie’s water. I doubt he’ll mind. He’s sleeping peacefully now, no longer wheezing, and his even breaths are a comfort instead of a source of anxiety.
“If that’s the case, why are you only just having those now?” Liam tips his head in the direction of the box in my lap.
“I wasn’t going to leave Freddie on his own, was I?”
I regret the words as soon as they’ve left my mouth. Liam doesn’t react.
“You saved him,” I say.
That gets a reaction. He snarls, flashing his teeth. “Don’t.”
