Healing

Excerpt from the book I'll never write #8

It was a cold Monday morning. The kind that almost felt cruel as the chill seeped into the skin underneath the layers of fabric. Christine had not experienced this for as long as she could remember. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept through the night and woke rested. It was as if she had spent the last 12 months in a limbo-state. She was only half there for the last 365 days. The pain kept her awake most nights and only medication could send her to sleep. More often than not though, she would wake not feeling rested. Waking slowly off medication is not the same nor is it as nice as waking to the golden morning light. The understated shadows that were being formed by the shutter style blinds told her it was mid morning. The birds chirping that once annoyed her now held contentment and delight. She felt calm, content and desire. Desire of wanting to get up and face the day. Even if it was just for a cup of tea.

She felt the cold air on her face and was eager to feel the sensation over the rest of her body. Using her feet she began to push the blanket down, slowly exposing her chest. The tiny goose bumps forming with every inch exposed. The way frost slowly becomes visible as the light touches it. She keeps going. Her sternum, hips. Once it begins to expose her waist, the door cracks open and Dominic enters with her breakfast tray. He came in with the same drained face he'd worn for so long, doing the work of a village for her, while she was to weak. She felt the full scope of her love for him in that moment. The worry lit up his eyes as he noticed the blanket so low. He rushed to her side and began to pull the blankets back up until she stopped him.

She stopped him. Desperate to continue this feeling. Her hand reflexively moved to stop his arm. Though not much strength was behind it, the single act was enough to stop him. Both, in silence, stared at her hand, wrapped around his wrist. His expression, one of disbelief. Hers, gentle excitement. He slowly moved his eyes to hers. Exhausted but for the first time, a slight glimmer behind them. "Christine" he said beneath his breathe. He dropped the blanket back to were it was and moved his hand to behind her neck, and waist where she was able to be guided up to sitting. "Let go" She whispered. A request in as few words as possible. He slowly removed his hands keeping them only centimeters from her body. Months of worry and preparation for the worst etched on his face. She looked up to him and smiled, hesitantly he began to straighten and take his hands completely away.

Once stable sitting up, she reached for the blanket to take it completely off. Twisting around she guided her legs off the bed where her feet lightly touched the soft faux fur mat. Bracing herself with her hands on the edge of the bed, she gave Dominic another gentle smile as her hair fell to curtain her face. A deep breath. And she pushed herself up.

Light headed from the sudden change, she wobbled and Dominic had his arms around her in seconds. She blinked until her eyes re-focused. She was still weak but this was the first strength she had found since she had started treatment.