Page 32 of Dark Awakening: New World

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ELL-ROM

Ell-rom wasn't sure what had woken him up. He had dreamt about Jasmine kissing his forehead, and it had felt incredibly real.

"Good morning? Did I sleep through the night?"

She laughed. "I should have said good evening, but it sounds off as something to say to someone who has just woken up."

With her face hovering so close, he could just lift his head and capture her lips in a kiss, but what if that was unacceptable?

He didn't know enough about Earth's customs, or any other customs for that matter, and he couldn't use common sense because that needed to be based on something, and he had next to nothing to go on.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Good. Refreshed." He also felt an urgent need to empty his bladder, but he wasn't going to mention it.

Some things were instinctive, and Ell-rom knew that asking Jasmine to help him in the bathroom was not advisable. Perhaps it was Bridget's comment about males needing to appear strong and capable in front of the females they were interested in.

Glancing at the walker standing by his bed, he considered braving the bathroom by himself instead of calling Julian to help him. If he could manage that, it would be a huge improvement in the quality of his life.

It was such a simple thing, just to be able to use the bathroom in privacy so he could preserve his dignity, and it would be a big step.

Ell-rom lifted his hand and cupped Jasmine's cheek. "I have a favor I need to ask of you."

"Anything," she breathed.

"Could you help me to the walker? I'd like to try using the bathroom on my own."

For a moment, she looked disappointed, but then her eyes widened. "I'll gladly help you to the bathroom."

"Just with the walker, please. I want to do the rest by myself."

"Are you sure? Maybe we should call Julian..."

Ell-rom shook his head, determination setting in. "No, I know that I can do this. If I managed to walk up and down the corridor with the walker, I can get to the bathroom. I just need a little help getting started."

Jasmine nodded and turned to get the walking device. She positioned it next to the bed and then helped Ell-rom swing his legs over the side.

With her support, he managed to stand, gripping the handles of the walker with all of his meager strength.

"Thank you," he said, offering her a reassuring smile. "I've got it from here."

She followed him to the door, but as he opened it, he turned and shook his head. "I'm going in by myself."

Jasmine didn't look happy. "I'll be right here. If you need me, call out."

"I'll be fine." Ell-rom gave her one last reassuring smile before closing the door behind him.

Once inside, he was grateful for the special holding bars installed throughout the space. They provided much-needed support as he lowered himself onto the toilet and, when he was done, to hoist himself back up.

Feeling emboldened by his success, Ell-rom decided to push himself a little more. He had been a little sweaty after his walk, and washing his feet had not really addressed the rest of his body.

Besides, he longed for the experience of taking a shower by himself.

Carefully maneuvering so he could undress while leaning against the counter and holding one of the bars, he got rid of the blue matching set of pants and shirt, stepped into the shower, grabbed hold of another bar, and sat down on the stool.

For a moment, he just sat there to catch his breath, and then he reached for the handheld spout and turned the water on.

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