LUPINE

Staring at Piper, I couldn’t sleep, I know she told me to, but I just couldn’t….

Holding her hand, I kneeled beside the bed, putting my head on the mattress, she said she’d be fine….but…..

So did Mother…..

Coughing, I had cried so much my eyes burned, she was a stranger, but one I took under my care, I didn’t want her to die…I didn’t want her to hurt…

Slowly standing up, I walked over to my closet and grabbed another blanket, wrapping it around myself as a chill filled the air. 

I could see my breath fog up, the windows were closed but that didn’t seem to help, winter was ending, and many had died from the cold. 

Sitting on the bed, I felt Piper's cheek, she was burning hot, which was just as scary as cold skin…..

Laying on my side, I wrap part of my blanket over her and curl up beside her. 

“I don’t know if I want you warmer or colder…..”

Closing my eyes, I pull her closer to me as I rest my chin on her head, I could only hope she wouldn’t hate me for this……just……

Feel better soon Piper…..I’m going to help you…I promise….

Late into the night, I fell asleep, it was warm despite the cold that crept in…

Shifting around into the morning, I felt around and opened my eyes, and Piper wasn’t there. 

Springing up I looked around. 

“Piper?!” But soon my worries quelled. 

“Good Morning.” She said, sitting on the floor, I saw her head peek over the bed. 

Relief flooded my veins as I slowly sat up more, the blanket sliding off me, my hair was messy and I brushed it over my eye with my fingers. 

“How are you feeling…?” I say. 

“Well, good! But I’ve got a bit of a problem.” She said. 

And my blood ran cold, problem? Oh no, was she hurt? Or mad at me for holding her?!

“I um-“ I mutter but she quickly cuts me off. 

“The Sytes have boiled over, I need a needle or something to remove them.”

Boiled over…..? Wait- 

My eyes sparkle, that’s good! Crawling over the bed, ignoring the fact that she was only wearing the blouse, her legs were covered in green glowing boils, it meant we could remove them now and she’d be fine!

“Let me get a needle and some hot tea! I’ll be back!” Jumping out of the bed, I stumbled around and ran out the door for some tea to use for hot water since it would be warmer! 

Tears flooded my eyes and I wiped them away. 

She was going to be okay!! I’m so happy!