Miakoda

The Shift

Tom's POV

The smell of coffee filled the kitchen as the machine gurgled, letting me know it was finished. I poured a mug and grabbed all my bottles of hot decoctions and headed upstairs.

I walked into Madison's room. Set out all the bottles next to her bed. Walked to my room to fetch my chair. I planned on waiting by her side until the shit started. I would be there for her making sure she made it through all of this with as little trauma as I possibly could.

I sit next to her in my chair, watching.... Waiting....

I sipped my coffee, watching her body, her facial features, just waiting for anything to happen.

Her eyes pinched. I sat up. Grabbing the first bottle in my arsenal. I was ready. Her lips parted. My hand darted to under her head. I raised her head slowly and tenderly.

"Maddy," my voice came out strained. She moaned slightly. "Maddy, I need you to let me know that you can hear me. Can you do that for me?" I asked softly.

She nodded her head slightly.

"That's my girl...." I praised her. "I'm going to give you something I need you to drink. So don't get a fright when I put the bottle to your lips. It's going to help you. Is that ok?"

She slowly nods scrunching her eyes tighter.

I bring the bottle to her lips and she parts them more to take in the liquid. The liquid was bitter, I knew that, but she didn't contest it and swollowed.

"That's it Maddy, you're doing great." I told her as I get the next bottle ready. I placed her head back down and felt her forehead and cheeks. They were still burning up but her eyes had started relaxing.

"Maddy, are you still with me?" I asked as I now had to start explaining to her what she needs to expect.

She opens her eyes slightly and looked at me, scared. Probably bring up a few memories.

I smiled at her and brought my face closer to hers. I pressed my lips to her forehead. "It's going to be ok my angel." I said. " I just need to tell you a few things, do you think you could stay with me for a bit?"

She tries to smile and manages a soft spoken "Yes."

"Good girl. You're going through your first shift." I said, noting her confusion. "Miakoda wants to come out completely, so your body is going to go through some changes. I'm sorry my angel but it's going to hurt. I'm going to do everything I can to make it go quicker and try and take as much of the pain away as I can. I'm hear for you." I take her small hand in mine. "Do you trust Miakoda? " I asked her.

" Yes. " She says, still softly.

" Will you trust me? "

" Yes. " She didn't even hesitate. I give her hand a squeeze.

" Good. I'm going to give you some more liquid. It's going to make you sweat quite a lot and help you to sleep for a bit." She nods.

I bring the second bottle to her lips and she drinks. This time it's not as bad. I smile knowing she's doing well. I sit there for a bit and watch her eyes close. I get up and get a bowl of Luke warm water and a cloth. Back in her room, back in my chair, I again sit and wait. Wait for the burning.

As she starts tossing and turning from the fever, I stay close, whiping her face with the water and cloth. It's coming.....

The sun has already passed over the cabin telling me it was early evening, when her body started tensing from pain. Her face changing from an olive colour to pink and red. I stood up an got the shower ready. I came back to her bedside and sat down right next to her.