AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was true, the last few heaves were of the dry variety, I couldn’t face moving.
“Let’s get you back to bed.”
“I think I’ll just stay here forever, thank you.”
My neighbor chuckled and his voice appeared in my ear, far closer than I expected. “I think that would get pretty uncomfortable after a while, don’t you?” His breath tickled me and any other time I would have swooned. But at the moment all I could feel was that tightrope again.
I felt him shift from behind me, then heard the water running. My eyes were tightly closed as I leaned forward, resting my head on my arms against the toilet seat. A minute later, I felt the merciful blessing of a cool washcloth against the back of my neck. I lifted my head up, and finally opened my eyes to face the embarrassment. The sickness won out.
But my neighbor didn’t seem to be bothered by it. I chanced to look at him, and he met my eyes. What I didn’t see was revulsion, or annoyance. Instead, he smiled at me and continued to wipe my skin with the cool cloth.
“You um,” I cleared the frog in my throat and angled my breath away from him. “You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s part of the neighborly service we offer here,” he said. Then he winked. I swear I could feel the heat return to my cheeks.
“This is gross and embarrassing.”
“Honey, this is nothin’. I’m a bartender. I might have a pretty cushy job now, but I spent years in shitholes, waking up more drunks in bathroom stalls than I can count. You don’t even want to hear some of those stories.”
“Oh, well no, I guess I don’t. But still. I never thought I’d be puking my guts out while a complete stranger takes care of me. In a non-hospital setting, I mean.”
“Everybody pukes sometimes.”
“Yeah, but you don’t have to do this.”
“You keep saying that, but I’m not going anywhere. My mom might have died when I was a teen, but she raised me right. She would turn over in her grave if she saw me just leave you alone after all that.”
“Oh. I’m sorry for your loss.” That was simultaneously true and also felt like the dumbest thing I could have said in that moment.
“Thanks. But it was a long time ago.”
“Still...I appreciate it, really,” I murmured, feeling a mix of gratitude and vulnerability wash over me. It had been a while since someone had taken care of me like this, if ever. And now twice in two days, I’d had to rely on the kindness of strangers. My independent nature made it difficult to rely on others, but in this moment, I couldn’t deny that having the support was a relief.
He shrugged nonchalantly, continuing to wipe my forehead. “No need to thank me.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. “You just had an up close and personal view of me vomiting. I absolutely do need to thank you.”
When he was satisfied with my cooling down, he set the washcloth aside and reached for a glass of water he had prepared earlier. He held it out to me, concern etched across his face. “Try sipping on some water. Slowly.”
I took the glass with shaky hands, bringing it to my lips and taking small sips as instructed. The coolness of the water soothed my raw throat, and I swallowed it down, feeling a bit of relief. My neighbor watched me intently, his gaze unwavering.
“Feeling any better?” he asked, his voice deep but gentle.
I nodded, setting the glass down on the edge of the sink. “A little. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He paused, studying me for a moment before speaking. “Are you feeling up to moving now? I can help you back to your bed.”
I hesitated, considering his offer. I wasn’t sure how moving would affect my nausea, but I longed for the comfort of my own bed. With a deep breath, I nodded.
“Yeah, I think I can manage.”
He nodded and extended a hand towards me. I took it gratefully, feeling a jolt of warmth as our skin touched. His touch was surprisingly comforting, but when I let him pull me up, he surprised me by bending down to lift me, easy and could be, into his arms.
He carried me effortlessly, bridal style, as if I weighed nothing at all. I couldn’t help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over me, but the overwhelming sense of relief drowned it out. I breathed in his scent, a natural musk mixed with a hint of spice. I suddenly wished I could get it in candle form and scent the cottage with it. And that was a weird thought. I needed to cool it.
Once he laid me gently on my bed, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving. I’d only just met this man, but he intrigued me. The silence between us grew heavy, and I found myself desperately wanting to prolong our connection, to keep him here just a little while longer.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible in the quiet room.
