Page 194 of Smoke and Fire
“I think she misses you. I try to pet her and hold her as much as I can, but it never seems to be enough. Do you want to see some videos of her?”
Inessa immediately brightened when I dug out my phone and pulled up my photo album. Bastian remained next to me, although the warmth of his hand faded away. Inessa giggled over Psycho's antics until the videos I'd sent Bastian were gone.
"Have a seat." Bastian motioned me into a chair next to the bed. "Inessa can tell you about her paintings."
For the next hour, Inessa gave me a tour of her work. She explained each picture, many of them associated with memories of her father and brother. Bastian displayed old ones that sat on the floor, filed and lined up by subject. Inessa explained her love of nature and mountains and the hikes that Bastian took her on when her lungs were better.
There had to be 100 paintings stored in various spots through her wide, spacious room. Whatever Bastian paid to keep her in such a place and stocked with so many comfortable clothes and things to do, it must be very expensive.
But oh, how happy she seemed.
My heart flip-flopped over this side of his life, filled with a new sense of determination. If I had to volunteer to work for Jess to make Inessa’s life comfortable, I would do it forever. Bastian could have all my money. I wanted Inessa to havethisfor as long as possible.
Given Inessa’s productive cough and reliance on oxygen, not to mention a generally pale pallor, that might not be long.
My heart clenched at the thought of Bastian dealing with losing his sister alone.
A tentative knock on the door, and a light voice calling out, drew my gaze. Inessa sat up in bed, her legs crossed, as she explained a few more ideas to her brother. She pushed her glasses higher on her nose and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Hearing aids looped the shell of both ears.
A nurse with spiraling, black hair cut short and velvety eyes walked into the room with a warm smile.
“Good morning Inessa! Good to see you again Bastian.”
“Hi Shayna,” Inessa said quietly. "This is my new friend, Dahlia."
A shot of warmth slipped through me. My heart couldn’t take the quick affection in her voice. I gave a wave and Shayna nodded to me. Inessa coughed, taking the tissue Bastian offered. It came away tinged pink. Was that blood? Her breathing had become more labored as she spoke about the paintings, but she didn’t seem to want to stop.
Bastian put a hand on her shoulder while she caught her breath. Shayna turned to him with a welcoming smile.
“Good to see you safe, as always, Bastian. Are you fighting the fire down the canyon?”
“Yes. Just returned for a few days. It’s likely we’ll head back.”
“Any updates?”
“Nothing exciting.”
“It’s only 10% contained, correct?”
He nodded a bit reluctantly. Shayna smiled at Inessa and said, “If anyone can put out that fire, it’s your brother. Don’t you think?”
Inessa nodded dotingly. Bastian grinned.
“I brought your lunch and some medicine,” Shayna continued. “Are you hungry?”
I startled. Had we been here that long? My gaze traveled to a clock filled with cats. Indeed. Noon sharp.
Inessa nodded. "I'm hungry."
“Probably tired, too.”
Bastian chucked her softly on the jaw, earning another smile. She whacked him back, hitting him on the hip. Bastian leaned over, wrapped his sister in another lingering hug, and straightened. She smiled, adjusting her glasses again.
“Love you, Nessa,” he murmured. “I’ll try to see you tomorrow morning again, okay?”
“Love you, Bash.”
Taking it as a cue, I stood up. On a whim, I stepped forward and gave Inessa a hug that she returned, holding me tight. When I straightened, I felt sad to go. Shayna stepped back to let us through, then touched Bastian on the shoulder.
