Page 26 of Paradox
I reach under his legs to put the truck back in reverse, and continue towards the cabin.
Pulling up right next to the porch, I scoop Jin in my arms. He’s totally limp now.
Running inside, I lay him down on the old, stained, and incredibly worn couch.
Heading for my loft, I climb up halfway and grab my comforter.
Taking the other piece of the modular that Jin isn’t on, I drag it in front of the fire.
“Jin?” I say, tapping his cheek. “Jin?” I hit harder this time.
He stirs, groans, and looks up at me.
“Eden.” Is all that he says before closing his eyes again.
“For fucks sake, I don’t have time for this.”
Lifting him up like you would a sleeping child, I move him in front of the fire, and cover him with my comforter. “Get this dirty, and you’ll be washing it too,” I tell him before stepping back.
Linking my hands together, I rest them on top of my head and pace the cabin, shirtless, and clueless about what the fuck I’m supposed to do now.
Ican’t stop shivering.
I can’t feel my fingers.
What’s that?
What’s touching me?
There’s a weight on my forehead.
I push it away.
I hear a door close.
Why is it so hot?
Blinking, I open my eyes to the large, pot belly stove in the cabin.
I quickly sit up, but dizziness overwhelms me.
After several seconds it dies down, and I look around me. I can’t see Eden. Not in the kitchen. Not in the loft.
Looking down, I see his quilt wrapped around me.
I don’t know what compels me to do it, but I grab a handful and bring it to my nose. It smells of fabric softener. Fresh, but not floral. Masculine, somehow.
Dropping it again, I study my hands. My fingers are still red, they itch and tingle when I clench them, but they aren’t numb and they don’t hurt.
Remembering how Eden had undressed me, I reach beneath the quilt to feel for my underwear. It’s still there.
There’s a fresh bottle of water with the same orange tint to it as the electrolyte one he made for me yesterday. Taking it, I drink the entire thing like it’s a mirage and I’ve been wandering in the desert for days.
On the slate tiles beneath the stove is a mug.
Is that for me too?
Why else would it be warming there?
