Page 34 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"I'm always going to remember this," he murmured when she wrapped him in a large towel.
"Fondly, I hope." She wrapped her arm around his middle and propped him up. "Doesn't it feel good to be clean?"
"It feels spectacular."
On the way back to bed, his legs felt like overcooked spaghetti, and even with the adrenaline of embarrassment to fuel him, every step was a monumental effort.
"You did great," Hildegard said as she helped him back into bed. The sheets felt like heaven against his exhausted body. "Better than most, actually." She somehow removed the towel and covered him with a clean sheet at the same time.
"Most people don't have such a gorgeous nurse motivating them," he said, then winced. "Sorry. I should probably stop hitting on you. It most likely goes against the patient-caregiver ethics code."
"Probably," she agreed, pulling the blankets up to his chest. "Good thing I've never been one for following the rules." She smiled. "I'll get you a fresh gown."
His stomach growled again, louder this time.
"Right," she said. "Bridget said you could have broth if you're hungry, and I'll also get you some Jello for being such a good boy and making it to the bathroom and back."
"Can you bring two? I'm starving."
"Chicken and beef?"
"Please."
"Which flavor of Jello do you like? Apple or orange?"
"Surprise me. I like to live dangerously."
"I'll get both." She headed toward the door. "Try not to get into trouble while I'm gone."
"Where would I go? I can barely lift my arms."
"You're full of surprises." She left him with that.
Tim lay back against the pillows, exhausted from the simple effort of moving a few feet. But underneath the exhaustion was something else. A sense of accomplishment, hope, and anticipation.
He'd survived the first stage of transition. He'd grown four inches. He'd made Hildegard laugh multiple times. And she'd mentioned dancing.
Square dancing, of all things. He tried to picture it—him in a new pair of boots, following steps he didn't know, holding hands with the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. It was worth working toward.
When the door opened again and Hildegard returned with a tray, Tim felt like his sunshine had returned.
"Look what I found," she said as she set the tray on the bedside table. "Red Jello. It's my favorite."
"Mine too." He didn't even know what flavor it was.
She pulled up the chair and sat down. "Are you going to eat this yourself, or do you need help?"
He lifted his hand experimentally. It shook like a leaf in the wind. "I might need help."
"Say please."
"Please, Hildie. I need you to spoon-feed me before I waste away."
"Now you're just being dramatic." She picked up the spoon, stirring the broth to cool it. "Open wide."
The broth was the best thing he'd ever tasted, rich and salty and warm. His stomach welcomed it eagerly, demanding more with each spoonful.
"Slow down," Hildegard cautioned. "Your system needs time to adjust."
