In The Fog of London

The Union

The following days went by without incident. Henry was ill, of course, and Kathrine did her best to convince him to rest, but the doctor refused. They cooked together, ate together, and spent every minute they could in each other's company. Every day that passed, Henry thanked God he was still there. The two had moved a couch from downstairs up into the flat and Henry had insisted on letting Kathrine keep her own bed. Most days, he woke up before her and started breakfast or tea or both. It was as if, during the duration that he was in control of himself, he wanted to make up for the lies and the deception and the pain he'd caused. Their shared living situation went on for three weeks, with Kathrine getting the occasional letter from Utterson or some regular in need of a specific title. All seemed well.

Footsteps in the fog, the hum of the city, a twisted corpse on the cobblestone street... A faceless figure clutching a broken cane-

Kathrine awoke a little earlier than usual, starting from her nightmare to gaze out the window. Foggy. She looked just beside her bed at the couch, about two feet or so away for modesty, and Henry, sleeping there. Still and silent. The reflected lamplight from outside played on his pleasing facial features. She felt sorry for him, in a way. If anything remotely related to his work came up during meals or tea, he would apologize softly, usually while looking away from her in shame. "I should have done more to protect you," he had said one night while they lay side by side, "I knew what he was doing, trying to get close to you, but I was too selfish to realize the danger in that. I never wanted to hurt you. Not like this." Kathrine closed her eyes for a short while, listening to the stillness broken by Jekyll's soft breath. How long will this peace last? She mused, Until the demon comes back roaring, breaching the surface of Henry's being and tearing through the veil once again? Will I ever see my beloved doctor after that? She opened her eyes again and moved to sit on the edge of her bed facing her sleeping companion. I've lived with Hyde before, I'm sure I could do it again. She then stood, bent to softly peck his forehead, and went off to clean up before the sun rose and the day began.

Kathrine was sitting behind her counter in her shop when she heard the heavy, even step of the doctor slowly make its way down the stairs. She turned to see him carrying his breakfast tray that she'd made, while wrapped in a blanket, and still in his night clothes. "Good morning, Henry." She hummed sweetly as he took up his accustomed spot in a corner behind the counter. The two of them had decided it would be best if he stayed concealed, as there was no telling who knew of his secret. "Good morning, Lynn, dear. Any customers? Seems awfully gloomy out to-day." He yawned, adjusting the tray in his lap as he nestled into the pillows Kathrine had placed on the floor for his comfort. "One or two stopped in, looked, and left. I've had to close shop so often, I feel as though my regulars might think it's locked up for good." She replied, crawling out of her stool to sit across from him on the floor. "I hope the tea's still warm.." She murmured, causing Henry to touch the side of his cup. "Feels like it. I appreciate you setting it by the fire... You're quite the blessing, Kathrine. I hope you know that." He commented before praying over his breakfast. Kathrine smiled slightly, still a bit bashful whenever she received compliments from him. "I'm just happy to help, is all. We've both been through so much." She replied, fiddling with her fingers. All of her bandages had been lost over time and Henry glanced up, noticing. "You've been doing well since I last saw your hands, don't start picking now, dear." He chortled softly, causing Kathrine to redden in the face even more than she had already. "I-I have, haven't I?" She paused for a long while before speaking again, "I think I should tell you something, Henry. Something I'm not proud to admit, myself." The doctor tilted his head curiously, scooting forward some, "I think, even with my.. Feelings for you overpowering most other romantic interest.. I think I may be f-falling in love with-" The bell at the front door chimed and Kathrine, startled, leapt to her feet to see, "John..!" She squeaked, shuffling around the counter to greet him with a hug. "Hello, Lynn. I have some.. News." Utterson returned, gesturing for them to sit on the nearby bench that they often drifted to when it came to long conversations. "After the death of Hyde, I received a few letters with many different pages and even more questions than answers. First, I'd like to tell you, although my lips are sealed by my profession, this first point of information applies to you." The lawyer took a moment, and rested his hand on one of her's, "Henry mentioned you in his will. As well as myself."