Obsessive Love Disorder [PART 3]

9

November 14, 1996
Billy

This morning, I woke up to the sound of coughing and gagging. 

I rolled over and saw Charlotte hunched over the side of the bed, vomiting heavily. I rubbed her back and held her hair as she did; surprisingly, she didn't pass out again. She kind of just... sat there. Staring at the far wall. Not at me. 

I cleaned up quickly, scrubbing the floor until it was spotless. I also made sure to place a trashcan closer to her bed if she pukes again. I'm worried she has a concussion on top of everything else. 

Stu made her some soup, which I helped her eat. She doesn't have the strength yet to lift a spoon, so I sat with her and fed her until the bowl was empty. She also drank a full glass of water, which made me really happy. 

Davey also came in a few times today to check on his sister. I originally thought she was just ignoring me... but she didn't look at him either. She isn't responding to anything or anyone. She eats and drinks when I make her, but that's it. Davey was nervous, asking me if he did something wrong. I told him he was doing just fine, but I don't think he believes me. 

Now, we're sitting on her bed together as I unwrap her soiled bandages and replace them gently. She doesn't look at me. She just stares at the wall behind me, her eyes glossy and unresponsive. Despite that, I talk to her softly, explaining what the guys and I have been doing the past few days: I tell her how I took Davey fishing at the nearby lake, which he really enjoyed. He talked to me about his friends at school and memories of him, Charlotte, and their mom. I also tell her that Stu took a small road trip to a little town down south so that he could get some groceries without anyone recognizing him. He brought back lots of essentials and basics, but he also swiped some snacks for Davey.

After wrapping up her last piece of gauze, I gently lay her back down in bed and tuck her under the covers. I spend a couple of hours reading and talking to her some more, and by the time Stu calls out that dinner is ready, she's fast asleep. 

It doesn't last long, though. She wakes up screaming and crying an hour later. 

She wakes up screaming and crying throughout the whole night.