AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Much better.”
“I don’t want to give you moreoxycodonenow. It makes you groggy. Here’sTylenol.”
“Where’s Dad?”
“Gone on an errand. Would you like to come downstairs and sit in the kitchen with me?”
“Yeah. That would be great.” He sat up and lowered his feet from the bed.
“Easy. I don’t want you getting dizzy and falling. Hold my arm and the banister while going down the stairs.”
Slowly, she helped him down to the main floor. He sat at the kitchen table watching her.
“Here are small bowls of strawberry gelatin, chocolate pudding, and crème brulée.” She set the bowls in front of him. “Can you eat by yourself?”
“Of course. I’m not an invalid.”
“Okay. I’ll make chicken soup with vermicelli for dinner, something that doesn’t need chewing.”
“You’re an angel.”
“Tell me about your stay in Asia. Did you go anywhere else other than Japan and Thailand?”
Talking about something that interested him would make him forget his pain while exercising his cheek muscles.
For the next hour, while feasting on the soft desserts, he regaled her with stories about his exotic adventures in Honk Kong, Beijing, Manila, Saigon, and Singapore.
She made him a cup of hot milk and dipped pieces of toast into it.
“You need to regain your strength.”
He didn’t protest and swallowed whatever she gave him.
“While the soup simmers and we wait for your father to get back, can I shave your stubble? I’ll be very careful.”
“Go ahead. I trust you with my life and my face, sweet Ms. Lillian.” He chuckled and winced in pain.
Royce was a younger version of his dad, with the same blue eyes, charming laughter, and restless energy. Sadly, he lacked his father’s passion for challenge and achievement.
Using a medical razor, she carefully shaved the skin around the scar, and then proceeded with the rest of his face.
“Much better. Now, you’re your old good-looking self.”
“Can I see my scar?”
“Sure. But don’t touch it.” She removed the gauze, and he moved his head right and left, examining himself critically.
“Do you think it’ll go back to normal?”
“I think so. Dr. Winston did a great job and that should avoid permanent scarring. Next week, I suggest trimming your hair just enough to cover the bandage. Now the soup is ready, if you want to eat dinner. Just swallow. No need to chew.”
“It’s delicious. You’re a great cook.” He asked for a second serving and another bowl of pudding. He closed his eyes after finishing them.
“Royce, are you okay?” She peered at him and held his shoulder.
“Tired.”
“You’ve been up for two hours. Not bad. Time to go to bed. I’ll help you upstairs.”
