Chapter 57: Precious gift

RAFE DIDN’T FIGHT ME on the medicine for the rest of the day. He also didn’t speak to me. I kept up a steady chatter as I handed him the mug and water, helped him to the bathroom and got him settled back in the bed. And chatter didn’t come easy to me. Talking without getting a response was downright painful. But he was stubborn, and he never said a word, no matter what I asked or what outrageous thing I said.

Just before ten, I took in his final dose for the day. “This is it. If you keep improving tomorrow, I’ll only make you take the medicine in the morning and the evening.”

Nothing.

He finished his tea and water, and I flipped back the covers and let him lean on me as we made yet another trip to the bathroom.

“You’re actually much better.” I was surprised, remembering Doc saying Rafe would be weak for days at least. “I think you can almost make this yourself.”

Silence.