Touch Of Solicitude

DIECIOCHO

That night, I came back to check up on the man; I put another blanket layer on him, feeling his forehead. It still felt hot, "Cold," He mumbled, slowly his eyes opened meeting mine, "It' because you are sick, would you like me to place another blanket on you," I was about to turn around to fetch another blanket. However, I felt someone holding my hand, suddenly pulling it.

I sat on the bed with him, placing his head on my lap, "This feels much better," I took a deep breath, "Luigi," I called out his name.

"Stay here; I feel much warmer with you here," He snuggled, wrapping his hands on my waist, "Just this once,"

I learned at the headboard, relaxing my body; as the night progressed, it soon grew quiet, "Luigi," I uttered his name, "Why didn't you tell me who you were when you met me at the party?" He turned around, facing me.

"I thought you would recognize me as soon as you saw me; on the other hand, I just disappointed myself," He let out a bitter chuckle, "What? Why would you think that? It has been decades since we saw each other. How would you expect me to notice you at first glance?" He reached out his hand, caressing my face.

"I can," It was a two-word statement, enough to send me to euphoria, "No matter how much time passed, no matter how long. I can recognize you instantly," I averted my gaze, avoiding his stares.

"Why did you return?" I heard him scoff, "I told you at the interview, it is because of a Pledge, I returned to fulfill a promise I made to myself in life and death that I would keep no matter what happened." He narrated.

"You should rest now," I said to him, "Do you hate me for leaving you and coming back?" I could not answer him for a while; the silence lived between us.

"I do not blame you for leaving me; it is not your fault that you left," It was all I could say, "Now stop thinking and get some rest,"

The following day, I woke with the ringing of my phone; my back was sore, and I felt like my neck was cramped; I reached for my phone, only to find that it was the Art Director calling Antonio Cantero. He was also sick; I hope he is doing well now.

"Good Morning, Miss Kim," His voice still sounded terrible, as if he was still sick. "I apologize for not making it yesterday and even let you handle Mister Soria of Brand YZ; I will make it up to the company and you when I get to work,"

"I am now feeling better; thank you for your help. I will be in charge of a magazine's overall visual style, working closely with editors and writers to identify the best way to convey content on the pages of our publication. The Design team will oversee us." He continued, "Take care of the props for the shooting; I will go to the studio later, have them deliver it there

"I understand," He responded, "Every prop should be at the record with no delay; we do not want any missing items or stolen goods to be on the list," I commended, soon ending the call.

Before standing up, I learned at the headboard, observing a sleeping Luigi who was still at his dreamland. After staring at him for a minute and two, I slowly stood up, inching away for me, resting his head on a pillow.

However, when I was about to step out of the room, I heard his voice, "Sunny," His left eye was open, while his hand was rubbing the other, "Is something wrong?" He asked.

I turned around, "I will go to work, I will just fetch a cab, you, stay here and rest," He nodded and stood up, following me, "I told you to stay and rest, why are you following me here?" I complained.

"I want to cook for you since you will not have breakfast again," My forehead creased, "This is not the time to decide whether I will eat or skip my breakfast. It would be best if you were back to bed, resting," I pushed him back inside.

"I will go soon; I will leave you with your meds after I fix myself," I faced him, blocking the door with my hands, "I will take my leave, see you later," With that statement, I closed the door right in front of his face and went down.

The ticking of the cloud sounded across the room as I left the main bath, drying my hair. I made french toasts and a sunny side up for my breakfast. I left some for Luigi. I feel awake after having a cold shower. My back and neck were still in pain; well, it was a given since I slept in a very awkward position last night.

I could not sleep well because of Luigi, and I had to wake him up to drink his medicine constantly. However, I want to be of use to him; my mother told me to take care of him; well, even if she did not say that, I would still take care of this man.

Even now, I still cannot believe that this man is with me again; seeing him feels surreal. Where was the weak and apathetic Luigi who used to cry on my shoulder and complain to me about bullies who used to tease and make fun of him?

The doorbell then rang; I opened the door and found Lina, who was waiting in front, "Good Morning, Miss Kim," She subtly nodded, "Good Morning, Lina. It would help if you came in, wait for me," I opened the door for her and walked towards the powder room to fix my hair and face.

Soon after, I walked out and went back to Lina, who was sitting in the living room, "Let us go?" I questioned, "Let us go, Miss Kim,"