Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 70: The Telegram~

Henry was not back soon. Five hours had passed. Rosie had already served Jiu some tea and homemade honey cake, and seemed quite flustered on how to entertain Lord Henry's guest. Jiu decided to cure his boredom and read a book Henry had in his library that caught his fancy. 'Insanity and Devastation: The Psychological Impacts they have on us all'. The book was alright. A little too flowery for Jiu's liking, considering the genre, but it passed the time, and took his mind off his worry for Leora's cold. Or so, he initially thought. Rosie stumbled into the room, looking quite surprised.
"Sir, it's... it's for you; a telegram, sir," Rosie held out a small envelope.
Jiu graced her with a soft smile, and gently took it from the maid," Thank you, Rosie. You've been ever so kind to me, today. I promise I won't be in your hair for too long now."
Jiu glanced down at the telegram. Considering they'd known where to send it, and it was addressed to him; it must have been from either Lord Henry or someone back at the manor. Thinking nothing of it, Jiu sat down and opened the letter, taking out the small note. He immediately recognised Edward's handwriting, except it looked scruffier than usual, as if done in a hurry. Jiu decided to read it aloud.
"Leora has..."
His breath caught in his throat, staring at the words with wide eyes.
"...tuberculosis...come back quickly..."

He could picture it immediately.
Leora sat in the garden, surrounded by wildflowers as the wind viciously blew. She hunched over his portrait, cupping her hands over her mouth. Blood splattered onto the canvas, painting Jiu in red poppies.
Jiu stared at the letter in horror for a few moments, his whole body trembling at the thought. Then, with a sudden lurch he got up; spinning around to face Rosie.
"What's the fastest way back to the train station!?" Jiu couldn't help but slightly raise his voice, feeling sick to his stomach with worry.
"To Henry's old manor?"
"I have to get back there as soon as possible!"
Rosie glanced away, thinking, noticing the sudden panic in the man who had been so calm and collected only moments ago.
"I can get the neighbour, he has a carriage, he can drive you; I'll tell him it's an emergency," Rosie nodded, her face set in a determined expression.
"Thank you!" Jiu nodded.
As Rosie rushed out to fetch the neighbour; Jiu ran to grab his shoes and coat. He slipped over on the floor as he did so, yanking them on, clumsily. He spotted a book nearby called 'Medical Conditions'. He snatched it, swiftly, hoping Henry wouldn't mind; tears filling his eyes, with fear, as he rushed out of the house to find the maid.

He swiftly clambered onto the waiting carriage, waving goodbye to Rosie as the neighbour snapped the reigns. Jiu was out of it, the whole world around him seemed like a blur as he clutched the book, he'd stolen, tightly to his chest; struggling to not think of the worst case scenario. He hadn't noticed time had passed, until the carriage pulled over, in front of the train station. He thanked the man profusely, scrambling out and running swiftly, to not miss the train.

As the train set off, he stood on the outside part, connecting the two carriages together, gripping the bar tightly as the wind blew. He hadn't missed his train, that had been his main concern; not getting back to Leora swiftly. He watched as the industrial city faded back into the English countryside he'd known to love, because it was where he and Leora had been all this time. He gripped the iron bar tighter, suddenly feeling dizzy as her state hit him. He crouched onto his knees, deciding he needed to be hopeful. The book, he'd stolen it to read about tuberculosis, perhaps find a way to help her. He swiftly flicked through the pages; the wind biting at his face, struggling to breathe from the stress of it all. He landed on the page and started reading, intently. 'No cure yet discovered. Doctors may prescribe patients to eat well, rest well and exercise outside regularly'. Jiu cursed; tears spilled down his cheeks from the wind, splashing on the pages of the book, staining those soul crushing words.
"No...cure..." Jiu hid his face in his hands, his shoulders trembling with effort.

By the time the train had arrived, it was night. It was too late to get a carriage back to the manor; besides, Jiu remembered the way well enough. He knew he didn't need to run anymore now he wasn't far, yet he couldn't help that brisk pace in his steps, wanting to get back to Leora as quickly as possible. He made his way down those familiar country lanes till his feet were sore, never stopping for a break; his eyebrows furrowed, determined. He no longer cried; not wanting Leora to see, and not wanting to think the worst of her illness. He took a short cut through the town, and entered the manor through the back gate, into the garden. Just as he was about to go to the front of the house, he stopped in his tracks; noticing something. The spare room downstairs was lit, something that never happened; the windows open to air the room out. Leora's own bedroom was not lit, they must have put her downstairs in a rush to get her in bed after the episode. Jiu felt his heart lurch as he rushed around the side of the house, towards where a patio was, that led into the room. He could see the patio doors were wide open, the curtain softly billowing in the night breeze.

In the bed at the corner of the room, lay Leora. Her eyes shut, as she took slow breaths; her chest tighter than usual. Her face pale, almost ghostly, yet there was no mistaking her flushed cheeks. Her eyes fluttered open, hearing footsteps on the stone patio outside. She glanced over, breathing softly. Jiu's eyes widened, spotting her; breaking into a desperate run, without meaning to. Leora gasped, softly. He gripped the patio, to stop himself flying into the room without taking his shoes off; kicking them off, not caring where they landed, before rushing in.
"Darling!" Leora cried, trying to sit up; stretching her arms towards him.
Jiu immediately embraced her; pushing her down so she rested, hugging her tightly, as he nuzzled his face in her neck, relieved she was okay; Leora softly stroked his hair. Jiu gently pulled back a little to look at her.
"I wish I could've come sooner," He murmured.
Leora smiled softly, nodding. Jiu leaned in, gently kissing her lips. After a few seconds, Leora pulled away, concerned.
"You'll catch it," She pouted.
Jiu smiled weakly, stroking her cheek," I love you."
Leora's eyes filled with tears; she hugged him tightly, so his face was buried in her shoulder, burying her own in his hair.
"I love you too..."