Chapter 11

“I didn’t know it was possible, that kind of empathy…” Donal whispered to himself and Sean’s retreating back. Donal shut his eyes for a few moments.

The door closed and then opened again. Donal kept his eyes shut. Alexei had a unique scent, like fresh laundry. He felt Alexei lean over and kiss his brow. Donal heard him whisper something in Russian. Donal watched him from under his eyelashes as he went over to sit in the recliner by the fireplace, push it back and close his eyes. Donal couldn’t fathom why he understood the Russian when Alexei spoke it. He must have heard it from a john. My little mate? My little mouse? I must have heard him wrong.The doctor came. Donal had shut his eyes.

“Nurse, you can stop the fluids after this bag. I’ll give Alexei a prescription for antibiotics for the pneumonia.”