“The Witchfinder General?” he asked.
“You’re awake,” Finn exclaimed.
Jacob opened his eyes and the first face he saw was Fran’s. Frans eyes showed concern and care, but also tiredness. “Hey,” he said softly.
Fran smiled at him. “Hey yourself. How’re you feeling?”
Jacob thought for a moment. “Still a little sore, but well rested.”
“Shall I help you sit up?” Fran asked.
“Please.”
Fran helped Jacob sit up and Joe piled the pillows behind his back. Fran sitting next to him on the bed, shoulders touching and linking his hand with Jacob.
Jacob leaned into Fran and looked around. “Hi.”
“Welcome back,” Robbie said.
“Thanks. But now I really need to pee.”
“Everyone out, I’ll call you back in in a few minutes,” Robbie said.
Fran went to leave with the others but Jacob didn’t let go of his hand. “Stay?” he asked, smiling gently.
Fran grinned. “You only want me to stay because you dropped the last bottle,” he teased.
“Busted,” Jacob grinned.
Robbie walked back to the bed and handed Jacob the bottle. “I’ll be by the window.”
“So will I,” Fran said, helping Jacob move to the edge of the bed.
“Thanks.”
Jacob made use of the bottle, without being sick or dropping it. He put the lid on and sorted himself out. “All done and no mess.”
Fran and Robbie laughed and walked back to the bedside.
Robbie took the bottle from him and walked off to the bathroom while Fran helped him settle back.
Robbie walked back with a washcloth and towel, a toothbrush covered in toothpaste, and a glass.
He handed the first towel to Jacob who washed his hand and ran the cloth over his face and neck, before drying himself. Next, he cleaned his teeth. “Thanks for that. My mouth feels normal now. What are the chances that I can have a shower?” Jacob asked hopefully.
“Not today, but all being well you can tomorrow. I want to get some grab rails in the shower and a seat. Also, a walker thatyou’ll probably need for a while. I also want to take some more bloods and run some other tests just for reassurance that the silver is now all gone.,” Robbie replied.
“It is. All the silver is now out of my body,” Jacob announced.
Fran and Robbie stared at him.
“How could you possibly know that?” Fran asked.
“My mum told me,” he said simply.
“That’s good to know,” Fran replied, looking confused and dying of curiosity but not asking any questions yet. He had a feeling Jacob didn’t want to talk about talking to his mum just yet. He had no idea how he knew that, but he did.
Robbie looked at Fran in surprise, but Fran shook his head. So Robbie didn’t say anything.