“Yes, I just might fall asleep in a few minutes.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
I gently lift her. She wraps her arms around my neck and rests her head on chest as I move towards my bedroom and gently set her down on the bed. She rolls for me to pull the covers and gets under the cover.
“I need the warm blanket in my room.”
I nod and return to get it. I cover her with it and kiss her forehead.
“Good night,” she says.
“Good morning,” I reply as she smiles and closes her eyes.
I stand and watch her for minutes. Moving to my side of the bed, I let out a muffled exhale, finally letting the tension of the last hour out. It was painful to watch her in pain and be unable to do anything. I return to grab her phone and place it next to her side. I gently caress her face and kiss her cheek again before getting in bed next to her. I want to hold her, but I don’t know if it might trigger her pain again. I lay next to her, waiting, and scared of the thoughts of her pain.
When I woke up, I reach for Anu, but the bed is empty. I ran out to the living room and the bright morning light hit me, causing me to block the light with my hands.
“Good morning,” she says, her voice chirpy.
I move towards her in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” I say, kissing her lips. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, and getting ready to leave. I have a class in an hour.”
My mind is blown.Is she serious right now?She needs to rest and not go anywhere. I take a step back from her as my scowl is immediate.
“What do you mean you have a class?” My tone is menacing.
“I’m fine, Daniel.” Her tone is calm. “I can’t sit indoor all day. It was a mild crisis and I’m good today.”
Did she just say mild? There was nothing mild about her groaning in pain for god knows how long.
“I don’t want you going out today. Cancel your lesson.” My voice is stern.
“Please, don’t make us fight. I don’t like being treated like fine China. I’ve lived with sickle cell my whole life, and I know when to move and when not to move. I’m fine and I’ll be back as soon as I’m done.” Her voice is gentle but there’s sternness in it.
She’s right; I’m new to this and I need to trust her just judgment until I fully understand this disease. I exhale my frustration at my lack of experience with sickle cell, and her stubbornness doesn’t help.
“Fine, but Zack is your driver all day today.”
“I can drive myself,” she snaps.
"Not today," I declare, the word hanging heavy in the air. "Tomorrow, perhaps, but not today," I repeat, my resolve unwavering.
“Okay,” she says, and I pull her into a hug and inhale her scent. She wraps her arm around my waist.
"If you don’t want me to worry, you should give me access to that app," I whisper to her. She slowly extracts herself from the hug.
“Are you sure you want to be a part of this sickle cell cycle? It doesn't end, you know that, right?” Her brow is arched.
“I’m well aware of the requirement, which is why I need you to add me to it.”
“Can I think about it, please?” Her eyes plead.
I nod, though I’m not changing my mind, and I can't understand why she hesitates to include me in the app, so I know when she’s in crisis.
“I need to call Zack to come and get you, after a quick shower,” I say, heading towards the bedroom
