I woke up the next morning once again on the floor. I found my mattress to be extremely uncomfortable. I got up and headed to the bathroom where I found the door to be closed. “Phyllis?” I called. “I’m sorry…I’m going to probably be in here awhile.” She said in a sickly voice. “What’s wrong?” I asked as I pressed my palm to the door. “I’m sick.” She said and coughed. Without even thinking, I opened the door to see her sitting on the floor, against the wall with her eyes closed. “Are you all right?” I asked as I looked down at her. “I feel so horrible.” She answered and opened her eyes slowly. “Did you get sick?” I asked and bent down and sat on the floor next to her. She just nodded. “I don’t know why I feel this way.” “Maybe it was something you ate last night.” I answered and brushed the hair away from her forehead. “Maybe. I was really hoping to go out today.” She said and coughed as she finally looked up at me. “Sorry.” I smiled. “Ah…I should be used to it by now.” She said and shrugged. “Do you want me to stay in here with you…” “No…no…I’ll be all right.” She said and put her hand on my shoulder. “Thanks for the concern.” She added. “Are you sure?” “Positive.” She answered. I got up reluctantly and headed towards the door. Just as I was about out the door, I could hear her coughing again. I ran back in to see her hovering over the toilet. I dropped to the floor again and began to rub her back. She managed not to get sick. She looked up at me and then closed her eyes. Without a word between us, I helped her to stand and picked her up. I took her into her room and placed her on the bed gently. I covered her with the blankets and checked her forehead for a fever. Sure enough, she had one. “Just rest for awhile.” I said and patted her on the arm. “Thanks.” “I’m going to stay here and take care of you…” “No…don’t do that. I’ll be fine…” “Phyllis, I told you I’m staying here.” I said firmly and sat on the edge of the bed. “Taylor…I’ll be fine…” “I don’t care.” I said, looking down at her. “Just rest.” I added. She nodded slightly and closed her eyes. I got up and walked into the kitchen. I was determined to make her feel better if I had to spend all day to do it. I grabbed a pot from the cabinet and a can of chicken noodle soup. Just as I put the pot on the stove, I could hear her call out my name. I ran in, to see her on the floor on her hands and knees. “PHYLLIS!” I yelled as I dove to the floor. “What happened? Why did you get out of bed?” I asked, searching her face. “I…I don’t know.” She said with a shaky voice as she put her hand to her head. “Did you fall?” I asked and put my hand on her shoulder. “I…I really don’t know. I was sleeping then all of a sudden, I landed on the floor.” She answered. I helped her back in the bed and covered her back up. I went back into the kitchen and poured the soup into a bowl and brought it in on a tray. I helped her to sit up and propped a pillow behind her. “Now, I want you to eat this slowly.” I said and held the bowl in my hand. “I’m not hungry.” She said, scrunching up her face in distaste. “I know nothing looks real appetizing right now but you have to eat something.” I said. She nodded and I brought the bowl up to her lips carefully. She managed to swallow a couple mouthfuls but quickly put her hand up to stop me. “No…no more.” She said, cringing. “All right. Do you want something to drink?” I asked, putting the bowl down on the nightstand next to her. “No…thanks anyway. I just want to get some sleep if you don’t mind.” She answered, looking up at me. “No problem.” I smiled and grabbed the bowl. I left her alone and went into the living room. I sat down on the sofa and grabbed the remote, clicking on the television. Every once in awhile, I would turn my attention away from the program I was watching, to her bedroom door. << Previous Page of Story>> << Back to Story Page>> << Back To Index Of Chapters Page>> Back To Main Page>> |