Jo

Jo felt like she was wrapped in a cloud, puffy and soft. It was also silent. No, not quite silent. She could hear a rhythmic beat, almost like a distant yet muffled drum. The sound was soothing and she tried to get closer, snuggling against the rough surface that lay under her cheek. Unable to get nearer, she gave up and instead let the noise lull her back to sleep. As she descended, she idly wondered exactly what the noise was. And why she only felt roughness against her cheek while everywhere else seemed encased in cotton. Before she could puzzle it out, she slipped under, the drumbeat following her down.

Kerus gazed down at the sleeping woman nestled in his arms. Her attempt to snuggle closer had woken him but he held himself still, too afraid he would cause another seizure. Instead, he watched as she shifted slightly and then slipped into a deeper sleep. When he was certain she would remain unconscious, he gently extricated himself, tucking her in and drawing a finger gently down her cheek before pulling a chair alongside. Giving her one last look, he left the bedroom, closing the door softly behind him.

When he returned, he carried a tray containing a plate filled with scrambled eggs, several sausage links, and a couple of thick slices of dark bread smeared liberally with butter. A mug of tea steamed alongside, the aroma of ginger and cinnamon fighting for dominance over the smell of the sausages. Under his arm, he carried several books. Clearing a space on the nightstand, he placed the tray and books alongside the case containing the pipe, angled the chair, and took a seat. Picking up the plate and a fork, he began wolfing down his food.

He had taken inventory of his stores and decided he could hold out for several days, possibly a week, depending on how much longer Jo slept. The bread and sausage had been frozen and while it didn't taste nearly as good as if it had been fresh, it was nourishing. He had almost a dozen eggs left as well as plenty of butter, also frozen.

His freezer was about half full. Another loaf of bread along with more sausages resided next to a half-dozen steaks, several pounds of stew meat, and a variety of frozen fish. Jars of jam, olives, and pickled vegetables lined several shelves in his cellar, along with a large selection of fine wines. He had plenty of spices, multiple bottles of oils and vinaigrettes, and sealed containers of sugar, flour, and honey.

What he didn't have was fresh fruit or vegetables, milk, or yogurt, and the eggs would only go so far. He refused to keep any canned or processed foods in the house and only ate them if he had no other choice. He could make do with what he had but it wasn't as healthy as he would have liked. And it certainly wouldn't be nourishing for Jo once she started eating again. Not wanting to contemplate how boring his meals were likely to become, he polished off his dinner, popped the still half-frozen lemon cake drizzled with a little honey into his mouth, and wiped his fingers. Selecting a slim volume from the stack, he settled himself in the chair and began to read, occasionally sipping his tea.

When the shadows deepened and the room started darkening, he rose and circled it, stopping periodically to wave a hand over small globes set in elegant sconces. The globes emitted a soft glow and when they were all lit, the room had brightened enough for him to be able to read comfortably. Satisfying himself that Jo was still sleeping deeply, he took the tray and left, then returned with a small carafe filled with amber liquid and a tumbler. Pouring a draught, he settled himself again and continued reading.

Kerus remained in the chair through the night. As dawn crept into the room, he placed the final book down, stood, and stretched. Yawning hugely, he ambled into eh bathroom, took another shower, and slipped into bed, careful not to jostle Jo. Giving her a tender kiss on the forehead, he rolled over and went to sleep.

The following day found him maintaining his vigil, a new stack of books on the table. Periodically, he placed the book face down in his lap, picked up the pad and pen, and jotted a few notes before resuming his reading. The day passed quietly, if slowly, with Jo shifting a few times but never fully regaining consciousness.