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“Knowing how to take care of me.”
“My little sister gets bad cramps, too.” His tone is matter of fact, like any big brother would take care of their little sister in the same situation.
“I didn’t know you had a sister.”How have I missed something this basic?
He laughs, “Skye is finishing her last year at UC Davis. She’s coming to visit next week.” His voice carries clear affection for his sister. “You’ll meet her then. I bet she’ll like you more than she likes me.”
“I doubt that, but I’d love to meet her.” After how awful I was to him for so long, I’d be shocked if she liked me at all.
“You’ll see soon enough.” He reaches across me and pats Betty’s head before standing up. “Alright, sweetheart. I’m heading out, so you can rest.” I try not to let my disappointment show. It felt good to have him here, and I’m convinced Betty’s cuddles have some kind of magical healing properties. “Is there anything else you need before I go? I’ll be back to check on you this afternoon.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I have to come back for Betty, don’t I?”
“Would you really leave her with me?” I ask.
“Of course. Doubt she’d be willing to come with me right now, anyway.”
“Thank you for coming to check on me,” I say. “It was totallyunnecessary, but sweet.”
Luke scoffs, walking toward the door. “It was necessary.” He opens the front door and looks back at me over his shoulder. “Text me if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay.” The response is a reflex. I have no intention of asking for more help. He’s done far too much for me already this morning.
I’m not sure how long it takes after Luke leaves before I fall asleep, but when I wake up, it feels like it’s been hours. The pain medication has started to wear off, but the edible has definitely kicked in. Betty’s still cuddled tightly against me, but I wake her up, let her outside, and fill up a bowl of water by the back door.
Fifteen minutes later, we’re cuddled up together on the couch again, and I’m halfway through the snacks Luke left out for me. I take a picture of Betty curled up against me and send it off to Luke, who replies immediately.
Luke: She taking good care of you?
Me: The best.
Luke: You hungry yet?
Me: Nope.
I’m really hungry. But he’s already done enough.
Luke: That’s not true. I’m bringing you food. Any requests?
Me: I have food here.
Luke: See you soon.
I must have fallen asleep again, because the sound of Luke rapping lightly on the door startles me awake.
“Coming!” I call. Betty groans when I push against her to get up. Catching my reflection in the mirror again, I realize I’m stillnot wearing pants. Probably should have done something about that before he came back.Oh well.Pulling on the door to open it, I realize he locked it on his way out.
“You don’t check to see who it is?” Luke asks.
I roll my eyes. “Come in.”
“Was she good for you?” Luke asks. Betty wags her tail and goes over to greet him, while I settle back into my cozy spot on the couch under the yellow blanket.
“She was a dream.”
Luke unloads a paper bag onto the coffee table, pulling out a bag of chocolate-covered pretzels and then handing me a tub of mac ‘n’ cheese from the deli down the street.He made two stops.
