My Mother in Law

Silent Interpretations

My heart raced as I stood there taking in the sight of him. It was Zachary alright. But then again, was it?

His face was bruised, his lips a bluish shade. He slightly swayed and I scrutinized him, I realized he was trembling.

Well duh, he was out in the pouring rain for God knows how long.

It only took him one.more stagger before I was at his side, my hands itching to do something but my mind coming up blank.

"Umm... Zach, hold your arm up so you can lean on me while I-" he didn't even let me finish and gave me a cold hard glare.

"Get away, I don't fucking need your help." He sneered.

But my focus wasn't on his words. From this angle, I could see his face clearly, and it was not its usual pretty sight. There was a cut on his forehead that had seeped blood down his face, his lip was split and he had a rapidly swelling cheekbone. I froze in horror, only snapping out of my daze when he took a step forward only to limp with a loud hiss.

I was at his side in an instant, reaching for his upper arm to steady him, but he yanked it away viciously. "Don't fucking touch me."

I physically shrunk back at his venom-laced words. But what terrified me the most were his eyes; those two dark, endless pools filled with rage and... hostility? Or was that violence? I couldn't tell but I knew that either way, each one eventually triggered the other. And I did not want to face the wrath of Zachary Adams.

But now, as I focused on his limping form, it occured to me that he hadn't only suffered injuries on his face, rather his back and ribs, if the way he was hunched was anything to go by. And I found myself slowly approaching him. I was intent on helping him, and once I put something to mind, nothing could stop me achieving it. Or so I'd like to believe.

As if he sensed me approaching he hissed "Don't touch me," he limped a few more steps "I don't fucking need your help."

Oh please. "Yes you do," I took a deep breath. "And I will help you wether you like it or not." I finalize.

He was soaking, and as I gripped his upper arm in a steadying gesture, I realized he was cold to the touch. I couldn't to this. He was much too heavy. If I wanted to do this I needed him to cooperate.

I came up at his side and lifted up his right arm that was holding him against the wall. I then slid it over my neck and shoulders. "Lean your side on me like this." I told him, gently pulling him to the side.

He complied without complaining. "Now, when ever you feel like you want to use your right leg, lean on me."

"Geez I'm not paralyzed you know."

"You're welcome," I reply sarcastically.

Neither of us  said a word as I slowly lead the way to his room. He was quite heavy and I struggled not to bend under his weight as he hissed with each step.

We reached his bed, with much trouble, and I lay him down gently but he still landed with a thud. Then "Fuck!" He cursed clearly in pain.

I just stared at his writhing form, unsure of what to do next. Well staring isn't going to help you know..

Good point. I got to work, first removing his shoes and socks. As I touched his feet, I was convinced that if I put salt on them I would surely get an iceburn.

I knew the dangers of hypothermia, and I knew that if Zach got to the point of no return, if he faints, the paramedics won't make it in time. And there is no way I'll be able to carry or drag him to the hospital. These thoughts reverberated in my head, causing a new sense of terror to erupt in the pit of my stomach. I looked at him, his eyes were tired and his breathing getting heavier.