DRAGON (mxm)

4. Heaven or Hell (Chris)

   "This towel is incredibly soft and smells like peaches," I utter in awe, tilting my head to the side to rub my cheek against the featherlike material. "I would've thought you used fabric softener if I didn't know it was impossible to find it these days."

   "Believe it or not, you're right," Deon chuckles. "I'm pretty sparing with it and only use it on a very special occasion. This is actually the second time in five years. The first one was when I found the house. There is a closet in the basement, stocked with all sorts of amazing goods. Didn't you know about it?"

   "Oh, that must be mom's stash." I wince at the sharp pain, making my heart sink at the memory. I have to take few deep breaths to stop the tears before continuing. "Dad always joked that she was hoarding like a squirrel, gathering food for the winter. He said he'd open a department store one day and become filthy rich from all the stuff she had piled up. The truth was she loved shopping and had a hard time controlling herself. He didn't really mind. She was everything to him."

   "I'm sorry," Deon squeezes my hand.

   "I know," I whisper. 

   There is no need for more words. We breathe in silence, holding hands. No one escaped loss and grief. People don't discuss it, never ask questions. We are just there for each other on the rare occasions when we are able to feel closeness to another human being.

   "I'm taking you to bed now," Deon finally announces, wrapping me tightly in the towel and picks me up again. "I need you to lie on your stomach for a while. I'll apply ointment on your back and bandage you. Is that ok?"

   "Yes, thank you!" I mumble and curl up in his arms. It is strange how this man makes me feel vulnerable and safe at the same time. No one is as calm as he is in these terrible times when food and water are luxuries and horrifying beasts roam the land. He seems to fear nothing and my wellbeing is his only concern. It feels almost normal, as if the world will not be in ruins when I regain my sight. I hesitate a little before asking, "What about you? Why didn't you stay in one of the protected areas?"

   "I've never been there," he answers with a tone, clearly indicating that further questions on the subject are not welcome. I get the hint and change the topic. "Are you a medical doctor? It looks like you know what you're doing."

   "Yeah, sort of," he shrugs his shoulders. "You're in good hands with me. Don't worry. Careful now. Don't lay on your back."

   I am cautiously lowered to sit on the bed. The towel wrinkles around my waist, but I am quick to pull it to my chest, so that I can lay on it. I don't want to lose contact with the heavenly softness. 

   "It might hurt a little, but I'll try to be as gentle as possible." Deon's fingers spread the ointment causing almost no discomfort. My skin must be very damaged, but he acts like a professional, even tries to distract me from the pain during the procedure. "So, how old are you?"

   "I'll turn thirty one in few months," I answer. "What about you?"

   "Mmm... I... Let's say I'm a bit older than you," he hesitantly murmurs under his breath. "Forty?"

   "Are you asking me?" I giggle. "Did you forget your age? Where are you from?"

   "Sorry," he laughs nervously. "Of course not. I was too focused on what I was doing. Didn't want to hurt you. I'm forty. I've been to too many places. Never stayed long enough to call any of them home. Maybe, this one is the closest to home I've ever had... Alright, this is the last bandage. We're done. Turn around. I'll put drops in your eyes and we'll go eat."

   "I didn't want to be nosy," I mutter remorsefully. The man is clearly not eager to talk about himself. "You must have been through a lot."

   "Haven't we all?" he sighs. "It's fine. Not your fault. I guess, I've forgotten how to have a normal conversation. Give me some time and I'll get better at communicating."