thirty-six

Wednesday, 24-Mar

Last night—or rather, early this morning—Nathan scared the living bejesus out of me. The keychain remote dinged at me as it does when movement triggers the outside lights. And there he was, a figure silhouetted in the rain. I didn’t recognize him at first. My heart about stopped until he hobbled closer. He wanted me to take a look at his toe. I joked,“What did you do, kick a wall?”

He considered it for a second, then said, “Fighting a coat.”

Twitchy, disturbed. More so than usual, I should say. I gave him a leftover pain pill and ordered him to see a doctor. Then he was gone with a hope that he could sleep now. I invited him to stay, but he said he didn’t want to ruin my chance for a good night’s rest.

Fact: Nathan worries me and—

 

Up-to-the-second fact: A letter arrived in the post.

My fingers are shaking. I haven’t opened the envelope, but I recognize the writing. And here I thought I was safe. Just like PatientZ to dash my hopes.

Fact: PatientZ is nearby, and he hasn’t forgotten about me.