She was with Kelly. He breathed a sigh of relief. How long did he sleep? He didn’t know what day it was.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Rory
Thursday, December 17–Monday, December 21
RORY PARKED INBernard’s driveway and made his way to the door. Bernard had given him a key, so he let himself in. He’d stopped by every few days to clean and check on Bernard. He’d been asleep each time, and he didn’t want to disturb him. Bernard needed rest.
Rory made his way to Bernard’s bedroom. He opened the door and found Bernard passed out on the bed. Three whiskey bottles lay on the floor, one completely empty. The stench of vomit permeated the room.
“Bernard!” Rory said.
“Rory?” he asked. His voice was hoarse and weak.
Bernard’s eyes fluttered open. Dilated pupils stared back at him.
Rory placed his hand on Bernard’s forehead. His clammy skin was cool. Sweat pooled around his neck and covered the sheets.
“Did you drink all this whiskey?” Rory picked up an empty bottle.
“Huh?”
“There’s an empty bottle, and another half drunk,” Rory said.
“I think I drank it,” Bernard said.
He looked around. Vomit filled half of his bedside trash can. Some had splattered onto the floor. There were dried crusts of vomit on Bernard’s bed.
“Come on.” Rory helped lift Bernard off the bed. They stumbled to his bathroom.
“I’m gonna be sick.”
“Hold on.” Rory lifted the seat as Bernard threw up. Tears rolled down his face.
“What have I done?”
Rory grabbed the cup from the sink and filled it.
“Here, drink some water.” He pushed the glass of water to Bernard’s lips. Bernard drank. Rory filled another glass and helped Bernard drink.
“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Rory helped undress him and sat him in the tub.
“No. I don’t want you to see me like this. Leave me here.”
“I’m not leaving.” Rory turned on the taps. He filled the tub with cool water.
“You can’t, you’ll get wet.”
“It’s going to be okay.”
Rory grabbed the soap and cleaned Bernard. He scrubbed his body and washed out his vomit-stained beard and hair. Tears rolled down Bernard’s face as Rory cleaned him. An ache filled Rory’s heart. Bernard’s dad’s death broke him. He needed him more than ever. He wouldn’t leave him alone again.
He drained the dirty water and refilled it. Rory used the clean water from the spout to rinse Bernard’s hair. His curls clung to his head.
Bernard continued to sob. His body convulsed with each breath he took.
“Shh. It’s going to be okay, Bernard.”
