Someone was attempting to roll his body and the hands that pushed at him were getting on his nerves; but he didn’t have the strength to protest. A soothing cloth placed against his forehead was like a little touch of heaven.
Something ran gently over his lips and his head moved to follow the cold wetness that flowed down his parched throat.
“Josh, can you hear me?”
He tried to nod, but the slight movement caused a cacophony of drums to resound through his skull.
“Don’t move, just try to open your eyes.”
It took a while before he was finally able to prise his eyelids apart. The room was in semi-darkness and Lux sat beside him on the bed. The sight she presented shocked him. She looked as though she hadn’t slept in days, her beautiful brown eyes shadowed with worry.
“Okay Luxie?” Josh was shocked at the sound that emerged from his throat. He knew he spoke, but the distortion of his voice stopped him from attempting to say anything else.
Watching her as she reached for a glass, Lux moved until she sat near his head. She then lifted it and placed the glass against his lips. When water had begun to taste so good, he couldn’t remember. He was parched, needing more he grew frustrated when she removed the glass and placed it back on the side table.
“More.”
“Not right now. The Internet says a little at a time or you’ll bring it all back up.”
“How long?” He asked, finally understanding.
“A couple of days.”
“Sorry...”
“... for causing so much trouble...”
“... I never get sick.”
Josh was looking at her and he couldn’t understand why she was laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“You are. You just took four hours to complete one sentence. You’d say a few words, fall asleep, then wake up and continue exactly where you left off.”
“I feel like shit!”
“I’m sure you do, but I bet it’s much better than the way you felt two days ago. You had me worried there for a while.”
Josh closed his eyes as she began to run her hand over his face. He liked the way she touched him. He would have continued basking in her affection if his body weren't demanding attention.
Instinctively knowing he was in big trouble, Josh knew he had to move fast. Surging up from his prone position, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Ignoring her gasp, he braced his hands beside his thighs and pushed to his feet; and nearly passed out.
Instantaneously, Lux was by his side, an arm around his waist. Placing one of his arms over her shoulders, she struggled to keep him upright. Her actions were ridiculous of course, but he appreciated them. One step later and he was glad for what little support she offered.
By the time they arrived before the toilet, Josh was operating on willpower alone.
“Maybe you should sit down on the–”
“Get out!”
“I’m just trying to help. If you don’t want to sit down, I can always hold it for–”
“Get out!” He demanded.
At the sound of her laughter, he knew her outrageous suggestions were deliberately made for her own amusement.
His business taken care of, Josh managed to brush his teeth and splash some water on his face. Forgoing the use of a towel which he decided was too far away; he shuffled back to the door that opened before he could grasp the handle.
Sure she’d been listening to his every move, Josh didn’t spare her a glance. Doing so would use up too much of the energy he didn’t have. Weaving towards the bed, he collapsed feeling like a total fool. Here he was, butt naked wondering how he was going to raise his legs back onto the mattress.
He didn’t have to worry, Lux was there for him even before he’d finished the thought.
“Thank you,” he whispered with the last of his strength.
“You’re welcome, my darling,” she whispered back as darkness again pulled him under.
The next time he awoke, it was to find Lux on top of the covers beside him, sound asleep. Pulling her closer, he closed his eyes and drifted off.
****
His eyes opened to find Lux gone and a gnawing in his stomach he couldn’t ignore. He didn’t know how long he’d slept, but he felt better and he was as hungry as hell.
Cautiously sitting up, Josh waited for his head to start spinning. When nothing happened, he moved his legs over the side of the bed and pushed to his feet. He was a bit wobbly but apart from that, he felt fine. Extending his arms above his head, he flexed the muscles in his back. That’s when it hit him; the perfect plan. Hearing footsteps, he dove back into the bed and feigned sleep.
“Josh,” came the soft call.
Turning his head towards her, he slowly opened his eyes.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better.”
“Are you hungry? I have some broth going. The Internet said once the fever passes, you could have a light broth as it wouldn’t upset your stomach.”