Shawn's POV:
Athalia was in a deep, delirious sleep, but I figured it was best for her. I wiggled out of bed, leaving her there, though I was nervous. I left the door open so I could hear her if she moved. Walking to the kitchen, I got a broom and swept up the cookie crumbles and phone pieces.
I called the phone company and ordered a new phone for Athalia and it would be ready to pick up at the store that afternoon.
After putting the dishes in the dishwasher, I grabbed an apple, milk and crackers from the fridge. Taking them to Athalia's room, I set them on the night table beside the headboard and sat gently on the bed beside her frail form. Through the sheet I rubbed her arm to wake her. It was all but bone and it ached me.
She began to shift and her eyes fluttered painfully open. The morning light flickered over everything brilliantly but it was hard on tired eyes.
Though she obviously had no strength, she shoved the sheet off herself and threw the 80 pounds that was her body into my arms. I caught her, though it wasn't hard for she had only drifted into my arms, as much "throwing" as her empty body could manage.
I felt her breath as she was cuddled into the crook of my neck, sheltered by my shoulders and arms. I never wanted to let her go. She was right where I needed her to belong forever.
Hoarsely she whispered, "Thank you."
"For what?" I asked.
"For saving my pitiful life."
"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you Athalia. I don't want my life without yours."
We both welcomed the pause in conversation, happily listening to each other breathe.
