บท 165: Chapter 165: Triad, Part 8

James

“Charlotte… Charlotte!”

This time it is Michael shaking her awake. She sits up in the half-light of the lamp we left switched on by the bed.

Jeez…. How are we going to deal with this…?

She’s going through hell every time she sleeps….

Michael’s holding her, murmuring quietly to her. I fetch the flask of hot chocolate I had pre-prepared….

…. Just in case….

As I pour three cups, I’m glad I thought to do it.

She doesn’t say much, simply sips half her drink and drops off to sleep again. I spoon around her, holding her as she sleeps.

*****

I wake.

“What are you looking at?” It’s Charlotte’s voice. She’s still in my embrace, but it’s not me she’s speaking to.

Michael’s voice, “You, asleep. I’m enjoying having you near.”

Michael is already dressed, sitting in an armchair next to the bed with a pot of what looks like strong black coffee. He smiles at her, reaching out to take her hand, stroking the fingers.