Page 73 of Damien
“Coming, baby girl. I’ll be right there,” I say as I pop off the couch.
Looking to Damien, I whisper, “I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”
He smiles in understanding. “Go. I’ll be right here. If it gets late, I’ll just lock the door before I leave.”
Leaning in, I give him a quick kiss, though it’s nothing like what I’d planned earlier. “In case I forget to tell you, thank you for everything.”
When I get to Julia’s room, her face is covered in a sheen of sweat, and she’s curled into a ball with the blankets kicked off. “What’s wrong, love bug?” I say as I rush to her side.
“I need to go potty,” she whines, and it’s obvious she doesn’t have the strength to move.
Lifting her with ease, I carry her into the bathroom. Her clothes are soaked and sticking to her skin. She looks so miserable, and I feel utterly useless.
“Wanna take another bath?” I offer when she finishes.
Shaking her head, Julia moans, “No… too tired.”
Once back in her room, I strip her down to her undies and use a wet cloth from the bathroom to wipe her face and neck down. “That feels good, Momma, thanks,” she moans.
“I just want you to feel better. Want a sip of soda?” I offer, reaching for the 7-Up Damien brought for her.
Shaking her head, she whispers, “Yes.” She takes a small sip, then slinks back onto her pillow. “Just wanna sleep… hold my hand?” she whispers as she places her hand in mine as she drifts back off to sleep.
After a few minutes, I try extricating my hand from hers, but she stirs and holds on tighter. “Don’t go, Momma.”
Well. Shit. Now what am I gonna do?
Walking around to the other side of her bed, I crawl in beside her and reach for her hand again.
Eventually, Damien’s large figure fills the frame. “Can I help you with anything?”
Looking to Julia’s hand in mine, I whisper, “She won’t let go. You can head on home, and I’ll call you in the morning.”
His expression is torn as he looks from me to her. “Can I get you anything before I go?”
Since I just drank coffee, I’m nowhere near ready for bed. “Would you mind grabbing my Kindle from my nightstand? I’ll just stay in here and read for a bit if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’ll be right back.”
I expect him to just hand it off and run out of the room, with all the germs floating around. But that fool of a man walks it over and kisses me goodnight. I’m sure he’ll think better of it if he comes down with the flu.
“Night, Van. I’ve brought your phone from the living room, too. Don’t hesitate to call. I’m only a phone call away.”
“We’ll be fine,” I assure him.
He kisses me one last time, then lets himself out of the house.
Little didI know mere hours later,we’ll be finewould be my famous last words.
Never has the cool tile and porcelain throne felt so good against my cheek.
Death warmed over feels a thousand times better than I do in this moment.
Fine?
I’m not sure I’ll ever be fine again.
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