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“It’s good to change positions. The elevation will help with the facial swelling. Keep going with the snow bags. Hopefully, it won’t all melt in the next few days.”
Adam, who’d been leaning back after all the movement, opened his eyes again. His gaze swung around the room and landed on me.
“Babe. Thank God they didn’t hurt you, too.”
I went to his side, trying not to tear up, and gently kissed his cheek.
“They didn’t. I’m fine. You’ll be fine, too.”
“How long was I out?” His eyes started to close, and I could see his determination to keep them open when they rolled a little before widening.
“Twelve hours maybe? I’m not sure what time they came.”
“We can’t stay here.”
I gently took his hand, trying to soothe the notes of fear and worry I heard in his words. I knew Adam well enough to understand those emotions weren’t for himself but for me.
“We’re fine, Adam. I promise. Tor is staying with us.”
I glanced back at Tor and waved him forward.
“Adam, I brought the flame chips for you,” Tor said, leaning over my shoulder. “But Cassie says you have to eat the oatmeal first. I’m sorry.”
The complete gravity of his words had Adam laughing and groaning.
“Thanks for having my back, Tor. Keep June safe for me, until I can do it myself, okay?”
“I will.”
Adam’s eyes rolled again. This time, they closed and didn’t reopen.
“It looks like it’s time for more rest,” Cassie said. “Listen to your body, Adam. That’s the best advice I can give you right now.”
She looked at me. “Now that he’s propped up, try to get him to drink something next time he’s alert. There are no IVs for us to use if he gets dehydrated.”
I nodded, not letting go of Adam’s hand.
Everyone left the room, and the house quieted. I continued to stroke his skin, my touch light. This wasn’t the first injury I’d helped him through, but it was by far the most serious. There’d been twisted ankles and pulled muscles and strained ligaments, all of which had required rest and eventually physical therapy. Adam would know what he had to do once he was more himself. Until then, I needed to focus on what I could do to make him more comfortable. I moved his snow bags, changed out his washcloth for a colder one, and waited.
Eventually, I remembered Emily and got up to check on her. The cake was on the stovetop, cooling, with the canister of frosting beside it. Tor was sitting on the couch, watching a movie at a low volume.
“Did Emily leave?” I asked.
“Yes. She said she will come back tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I set my hand on the cake, which was still far too warm, and looked around the room.
“It’s weird not having anything to do,” I said. “At the farm, there were chores. The cattle to feed. Equipment to check. Monitors to watch. What does everyone do here to stay busy?”
“Here?”
I nodded.
“Most do nothing.”
“That’s probably part of the problem,” I said.
He grunted, and I moved to join him on the couch.
