Page 56 of Homebound
“Healing takes time, uncle,” Gemma said softly. “We are going back to the clinic soon. I’m sure when the doctor sees you, he’ll notice progress. Are you using the ointment?”
“Of course I am. And there are pills I’m supposed to take after breakfast but Herise left without helping me sort through them. Now I can’t figure it out.” He appeared on the verge of tears.
“Is this what you’re reading? The doctor’s instructions?”
“Yes.”
Gemma sat down next to him and read the instructions with him. Together, they rummaged through the assortment of pills the nurses had sent home with Drexel and identified two for the right-now. Gemma warmed some water to take his medicine with and rinsed his glass after he was done.
But her duty wasn’t finished.
Depressed and needy, her uncle invented an excuse after an excuse to keep her around, catering to his never-ending and seemingly manufactured needs.
His bandage chafed and needed to be adjusted.
His feet were cold and he wanted extra socks.
What was it that Dr. Delano had said about Perali saliva? Gemma had to repeat the lecture.
And he complained and complained, endlessly venting his misfortune and expecting Gemma to reassure him and boost his sinking spirits.
She bore this unexpected burden calmly, reminded of her own injury three years ago. She couldn't fix Drexel but if her presence and her words could offer him some comfort, she’d gladly stay and talk to him.
Finally, he slept. Gemma left a glass of water by his bed and quickly ate the yogurt she wouldn't be able to share today with Simon. Tomorrow, though, she’d compensate for his missed meal.
Bundled up in several shirts and two sweaters, she went out. It was strange to walk the streets in the daylight, so used was Gemma to making her daily commute in the darkness. She headed to the market located at the City center to see if she could score a second-hand coat. She couldn't afford one but neither could she afford to go without. With winter in full swing, she ran the risk of catching pneumonia before warmer weather made an appearance.
Finding something that looked marginally wearable, she haggled with the seller until both their lips turned blue.
“Do you want the coat or not?” the frustrated woman asked.
“For what you’re asking? Hardly. It looks a hundred years old.”
The woman huffed with overdone indignation. “It’s practically new! Hardly worn.”
More like the previous owner died in it from old age.
“You won’t find another one in your size, missy.”
“I’ll check children’s selections.” She made like she was ready to leave.
The woman hesitated… and came down in price.
Counting out her brass dollars, Gemma silently thanked Marigold the supply dragon for teaching her a thing or two about negotiations.
Pulling the coat on and savoring its warmth, Gemma headed to the food section of the market. She had to pick up a few grocery items that Aunt Herise wanted her to contribute to the table. Basic stuff like dried beans and cornmeal. Salt.
In general, the selection of goods at the market could only be described as dismal. Rare fancy imports showed here and there but their price was steep and most folks passed by even on special occasions.
Not wanting to ask Aunt Herise for eggs and having to enlighten the McKinleys about her situation with Simon, Gemma splurged on two eggs, a small chunk of soft cheese, and a cooked chicken patty. She figured if Simon could improve as dramatically as he did on yogurt alone, this meal would send his recovery rates into the stratosphere.
Hiding the wrapped items under her new coat to avoid questions and feeling like a smuggler Arlo wanted her to become, Gemma returned home.
Drexel was still asleep but to Gemma’s surprise, Leena was home, sitting at the table in silence with a lost look in her eyes.
“Leena. You’re back early.”
Leena moved her eyes without turning her head and stared at Gemma without seeing her. The empty look filled Gemma with unease.
