Page 26 of The Price They Paid

“Just in time. I need your help.”

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I entered Seuss’ room with his dinner tray, and his eyes opened immediately. He inhaled deeply, and the pangs of hunger answered back. Placing the tray on his lap, I watched him as he assessed his meal. There were homemade mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed broccoli and peppercorn steak. There was a knock, and I went to the door to retrieve the juice from Ree. Seuss was struggling to cut into his steak when I returned to him, so I graciously took the knife and fork from him and cut a piece for him to try.

I heard the rumble of approval, and I couldn’t help but to beam. “Perfect.”

“Thank you.” I’d been nervous about it since I hadn’t asked his steak temperature preference. I liked mine medium rare and assumed that it would be fine, or I could cook it longer for him.

“Another.”

I sat beside him continuing to feed him all his food. After his second plate, he leaned back full of his meal. He was more than satisfied, and I was pleased that he was. I used the time while he slept to eat my food in peace before removing everything except his half cup of juice. I changed into clothes for bed before heading into the room with Seuss. I still needed to heal him today, and Maddox reminded me when I’d gone downstairs the third time. I slipped in beside him and he opened his eyes.

“We still need to heal you, Seuss. You’re still healing.”

“I know.”

I pulled the blanket up high enough to hide the view as I removed my shirt. I leaned against his warm body. It was my turn to moan in approval. Before I could reach for him, Seuss wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer. I snuggled into him resting my head against his shoulder and my back against his side.

“Talk to me,” he urged.

“What would you …” I yawned and closed my eyes, “… like to talk about?”

I’m not sure if he responded before I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

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