He strokes my back. “It’s okay, baby.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault you’re sick.”
“It’s not yours either.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “I know.”
I sneeze. “Next time I watch you practice or play, I’m going to dress in head-to-toe waterproofs.”
He chuckles. “You should design yourself an outfit.”
“I will. I’ll find some funky fabric. How bright and colourful can I be before I embarrass you?”
“You could never embarrass me, beautiful. Dress however you want.”
“You might regret that.”
“I won’t.”
I snuggle closer to him, soaking up his warmth.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Aside from dreadful?”
“Yes.”
“My head is pounding, my thoughts are fuzzy, my eyes are prickly, and my nose is stuffy.”
“Peachy, then?”
I laugh, but it devolves into a sneezing fit. “Oh yeah, totally peachy.” I yawn. “This is the longest I’ve been awake since this morning.”
He runs his fingers through my hair. “You can sleep more if you want to. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“Tomorrow’s a workday, isn’t it?” I peer at him. “Or have I slept longer than I think?”
“You haven’t. Your dad has made some chicken noodle soup. I can reheat it whenever you’re feeling up to it.”
I nod, close my eyes, and bury my face against his side. All I want to do is sleep and be close to Kyle, which is needy. Being ill makes me needy. Does Kyle mind? He’s here and is showing no signs of leaving, so he must be okay with it. He’s amazing, wonderful, and kind.
“I don’t deserve you.” Did I say that out loud?
“Yes, baby, you do.” He hugs me and kisses my forehead.
“You must be bored.” How long has he been here?
“I’ve brought a book to read while you sleep.”
“A book?”
“Yeah, you know, those things with words printed on paper.”
“Haha. I know what a book is. What book?”
“War of the Worlds. You made me want to read it again when you told me about the immersive experience.”
