The Light That Shines From Above

Chapter 42

In the morning I was awoken by my first set of cramps. I tried to just roll over and go back to sleep, that only worked once.

"Thank you." I muttered. I sat up just enough to take the hot water bottle and pain medication from Ikzo. He waited until I put the pills in my mouth before handing me the glass of water.

Ikzo woke up to me trying to curl into a ball and rushed to get what I needed when I thought of it. He still looked incredibly worried but didn't voice it. I swallowed the pills then laid down on my side again, tucking the hot water bottle against my stomach. He carefully sat down by my legs, his hand landing on my thigh. It rubbed soothingly.

"Would you like something to eat?" He asked.

I closed my eyes as a cramp tore through me, "No. I'll eat in a little bit." I said quietly. Then I sank into the mattress further before I tried to push up onto my elbows, "My mom needs to eat though, and you must want something."

"No you need to rest." He stopped me from getting up, "Your mother is already eating at the kitchen table and I am fine. I want you better first."

I complied while looking to him with bewilderment, "She's up?"

He nodded, "She was pulling down her meal when I walked in. She didn't say anything but she recognized what was wrong when I grabbed your things."

That was a good sign. If she was feeling well enough to get up earlier and prepare her own meal. It showed progress.

For the next hour or so I drifted in and out of sleep as the medicine set it. I knew it could only work for so long. Ikzo stayed with me, keeping me close as I curled up into a ball against him.

By the time lunch rolled around I was able to get up and try to make myself and Ikzo something. That was halted when he realized what I was doing.

"I can do it." He tried to gently take the bread from my hand.

"You don't know how." I said.

"So think about it. I can go off of that." He countered, "Heather please let me do this." He continued when I went to open my mouth.

"Fine okay." I caved, letting go of the bag.

I went and sat down at the kitchen table while I thought through the steps of making a sandwich. I pictured where each ingredient was as well as how to prepare them. He followed the instructions without hesitation or failure.

"Thank you." I said as he set both of our plates on the table.

He kissed the top of my head then sat down beside me, tugging my chair so I was practically pressed into his side, "You're welcome Likaliv."

I smiled then shook my head with a slight laugh, "You're still paranoid."

"Yes I am." He didn't try to hide it, "Regardless can't I want to help? Or be closer?"

"Yes you can." My smile wider.

As we ate we made light conversation about random topics until my mother came out of her room again. From the looks of it she must have taken a nap in between meals. I knew that was a good thing. She needed her rest for her recovery. I hoped she was sleeping well. I only concluded she must not be having too much trouble because her screams or hysterics hadn't woken me up.

She eyed the lack of space between us but the look was different from the other day. It was more of an observation and less judgmental. She didn't hold a look of concern until she actually met my eyes.

"How are you feeling dear?" Her eyes flickered over me briefly.

"Better." I answered watching as she began putting together her lunch as well, "Do you want help?"