The Fox, Red

040 - Working Towards The Realization

As Madam Odette tends to her chore I reach for the only source of entertainment I have, her book. I check the mental note of what page I was on flipping around until I find it. I jump right back into the black words on white pages letting my mind drift back to this fantasy world of odd romance and adventure. Time skips as I let myself go in the moment. The words wrap around me like a blanket sweeping me away. It's not long before my eyes feel heavy once again. You would think that after days of sleep I would be awake longer than an hour. But rest does the body good. That is also what the doctor prescribed.

I take another note of what page I am on before setting the book back on the nightstand. I get myself settled in deeper under the sheets getting nested. I don't remember even trying to fall asleep, just waking up to the door opening as Madam Odette returned covered in the snow and wearing a heavier winter coat. From underneath the bright red and white fluff, she pulls a full set of clothes that look like they were from my cabin. "You may want to wait for them to warm up. Your door was open and there was snow everywhere. I have a few people helping clear it out the best they can."

She and they didn't have to do that. I'm sure I could have made it somehow when I was better. The clothes are set down on the edge of the bed before she takes her leave. Just as the door begins to shut she pauses looking back, "While I don't recommend that you go out, I will find you a heavier coat to wear and have it ready." I give a nod and my thanks. She doesn't have to do this for me but I'm grateful that she did. The door closes quietly giving me my chance to get up and get dressed before this opportunity escapes me.

The bed feels nice but nothing compares to your own clothes. The ones she grabbed were well worn, enough that they are in the perfectly comfortable spot where they're loose but still hold giving space to breathe. Just swaying my hips back and forth I feel better. Standing and putting weight on my legs feels strange. A week of sedentary will do that. Wonder what they'll have me do to rebuild that muscle back. I could shovel the snow from my home. That will get me back in shape if it hasn't stopped since I've been out.

One thing is for sure, I need something to eat and to stretch out. A simple trip to the kitchen sounds like a good idea to me. I pass the double doors heading out and catching Madam Odette on her way back up the stairs. She's in proper dress for her this time. Nothing lazy, just her usual business day attire. "Red, you should be resting."

"Yes, Madam Odette. I thought that a simple visit to the kitchen for something to eat wouldn't be too out of the question."

I don't make requests often with her. Very rarer do I push. The rarest of all is when she doesn't fight back to start with. "I guess that would be ok. But I'll go with it, to make sure you are OK." So she wants to babysit for a while. Is it worry? It's a worry but is it worry for my well-being or is it her own worry about me? Very curious indeed.

She offers me her hand to take as we descend the stairs but I'm too stubborn. The railing works just fine as support. I would assume she would take some offense to me declining her offer but at the same time, I have a feeling that being the strong-willed person that she already is she would understand an attempt to take care of it myself.

I try to avoid the looks I receive as I make my way. Honestly though, if I were them, I would be staring. I made enough of a ruckus that I have no doubt word spread quickly about something happening. After a while, I'm sure that the story was spread and even distorted. Once I hit the bottom of the steps I look to my right at the door to the backyard. The door is currently blocked off by velvet rope to prevent anyone from using it.

I'm guessing that Uncle Thomas is still there, more or less. Nothing in this world can make me want to deal with that right now. I feel like garbage. Maybe this venture was a bad idea. Madam Odette walks around me getting the door to the hallway towards the kitchen. That kind of assistance I will gladly take.