Page 57 of Call Me Sir

In his bedroom, Cole is on the floor on his hands and knees, trying to say something.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, kneeling down beside him, trying to assess the situation.

“I don’t have any money.”

His head bobs up and down and his eyes shift in and out of focus.

“Are you alright?”

My question causes him to frown. “My wallet… it’s in my jacket.”

Bracing his head with both hands, I catch him before he nosedives and I lift him in my arms.

Gently, I ease him onto the bed. Lifting the twisted covers, I tuck him in and search for medicine. After locating some meds I give them to him with a bottle of water.

The nonsense about his wallet has stopped and his eyes flutter closed.

The phone on the nightstand starts buzzing. I check and see it says “Tony.”

Pulling out my phone I write up a text for his friend.

Me: I think he’s really ill.

It’s like a split second when my phone pings.

Anthony: Can you look after him?

Annoyance pricks my chest. Not because I don’t want to take care of him. But I shouldn’t. It’s wrong. I definitely wouldn’t do this for any other employee.

I look over Cole. He looks miserable. His hair is plastered to his forehead and he shivers, eyes squeezed shut.

Me: that’s highly inappropriate

Bubbles appear then disappear.

Eventually another text comes through.

Anthony: fine. I can take the day away.

I sigh.

Me: no, it’s okay. If anyone needs me, tell them to leave me a message.

Anthony: Thanks boss man

Ugh.

I could do a call and go back to the office and listen to Cole from the other end… or have Anthony come here and watch over him.

And then I’d be riddled with anxiety all day, accomplish no work and then try to come up with an excuse to his friend as to why I’m checking on him after hours.

Shoving my phone in my pocket, I remove my shoes and place them by the door.

I spend the next hour cleaning his puke bowl by his beside, fixing up some toast for him and trying to get him to take a bite with no success and make myself some coffee.

Cole is sound asleep with a rag on his forehead when my phone rings.

I don’t recognize the number and take my coffee to the patio.

---