Page 240 of The Bonus

“I need you.”

I throw the blankets back. This is the worst night’s sleep of my life.

I go to step and my toe radiates pain… ”Ahh, fuck.” I limp back to Grace’s bed. “What?”

“Don’t what me,” she snaps, “You said you were looking after me, don’t what me.”

I imagine myself throwing her out the window. “What is it, Grace?”

“I’m thirsty.”

“So drink your water.”

“It’s all gone. I need some cold water.”

“From the fridge downstairs?”

“Do you mind?”

I do, actually…

“Fine.” I limp down the hall and stairs in the darkness. The room glows from the refrigerator light as I open it. I glance over and see my keys sitting on the counter.

Maybe I could sleep in my car?

I fill the glass with water and make my way back upstairs. I pass Grace her water, she gulps…and gulps…and gulps…and gulps…jeez.

“Thirsty?”

“Don’t try me,” she snarls.

I grit my teeth and get back into bed. She’s testing my last nerve. I close my eyes.

“I need to go to the toilet again,” she whispers into the darkness.

I slap my hands over my eyes. This can’t be happening.

“That’s what happens when you drink like a fucking camel, Grace.”

“That’s it. Go home.”

Don’t tempt me, woman.

I flick the blankets back and pick her up. “Perhaps I should put a catheter in.”

“Perhaps you should shut your mouth.”

“You’re not a great patient.”

“Yeah, well… You’re not a great nurse.”

I hobble with her back to bed and lay her down, then stumble into bed.

Grace

The throb in my arm wakes me from my slumber, and I screw up my face in pain. The sun is peeking through the crack in the curtains, and I look over to see Gabriel is not in bed with me. He must be downstairs.

Zzzzz.

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