Page 43 of Barron

Yoanni rushed to the kitchen and went straight for the fridge. She found several bottles of water, took one, and ran back.

“Here. Have some.” She held it up to Barron’s lips. He held the bottle and sipped. Seconds later, his color started improving.

“See, miss? He’s looking better.”

“Yes.” She sighed.

“I’ll help you get him to bed. He’s kinda heavy for you,” Cragg said.

Barron nodded. “Thank you. The dizziness is past. I can walk now. Just stay close by, in case…”

“I understand,” Cragg said.

Holding Barron’s arm, Cragg boosted him up. Moving to his free side, Yoanni wrapped her arm around his waist. Slowly, they walked him to the bedroom. Once inside, she left Barron with Officer Cragg while she quickly pulled the bedspread and stacked two pillows for him. Slowly, Barron sat at the edge of the bed. Quietly, Caesar padded in and settled nearby.

“Oh, yeah. There’s no more dizziness. Only the headache remains.”

Officer Cragg chuckled. “I’m afraid that will stay awhile. If you don’t need me anymore, I’ll return to the investigation. I’m sure they’re going over your place with a fine-tooth comb.”

“I’m all right now.” Barron waved a hand. “Thanks.”

Yoanni smiled at the officer. “Thank you, Officer Cragg. I’ll walk with you.”

Officer Cragg paused at the door. “Don’t hesitate to call 911 if he’s not feeling well through the night. Otherwise, let him sleep for as long as he wants. That’s the best medicine.”

“I will. Thanks again.”

Cragg tapped his forehead and walked out.

Yoanni closed the door and returned to the bedroom. She found Barron with one foot on the bed, his back leaning against the headboard. He was asleep. At least his color was back to normal. She moved around him, trying to remove his shoes and slacks. Not an easy prospect when the man was so heavy with muscles. Leaving his T-shirt on, she pulled him down by the ankles toward the edge of the bed so his head would rest on the pillows, then draped the sheet and blanket over him.

Somewhat relieved he was resting, she sat at his side and exhaled. Suddenly, it hit her. Because of the speed with which events had unfolded, she never had a moment to pause and process the assault on Barron and her home. Now she understood the level of anxiety and fear she’d been under. She quivered everywhere. Her limbs vibrated, and her stomach and heart fluttered painfully.

“He’s going to be fine, boy. You’ll see.” She spoke to Caesar, but was she really encouraging herself and the dog made it easier? Caesar moved from his spot and sat by her feet. It was a clear vote of confidence. The gesture of trust moved her to the core. She didn’t feel so worried or alone anymore.

“Baby girl.” Barron’s voice was a thread.

She leaned close to him. “Are you feeling sick?”

“No. I want to thank you.”

“For what?”

“Taking care of me. Come closer.”

“But…”

“Come to me, baby. I need to feel you.”

Carefully, she dropped her head on his chest and snuggled against him.

“Much better,” he whispered. “Now I can sleep.”

And so could she.

Yoanni woke up as light filtered through the window shades. Careful not to wake up Barron, she rolled out of bed and padded barefoot to the kitchen.

Raised in a Cuban household, she was a coffee lover, but tea would be better for Barron. She eyed the cabinets in bewilderment. Somewhere in his kitchen, there had to be tea, and Yoanni was determined to find it. Every person she knew kept some form of tea in their pantries in case of bellyaches, a cold, or simply to enjoy a soothing cup. Didn’t they?

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