Beast

Chapter 5

I run to my home, excited to give papa my medicine. When I burst in, the place is cold and quiet. “Papa?” I cry.

“E… Esme?” I only just hear his whispering voice. My brain is in a panic. When I reach his room, I do not see my papa, but a shell of him. His cheeks are sunken in and he has purple rinds under his eyes. 

“Oh papa, I am so sorry.” I gently hug him, careful of how frail he is right now.

“Where… did you… go?” He chokes, then bursts into a coughing fit.

“I went to the prince.” His eyes widen, and he attempts to get up, but I show him the medicine, which somehow makes his eyes widen further.

“What… did you do… to get that?” I can see the strain all this putting him through and no doubt all the different scenarios I went through to get this.

“Nothing papa, I asked and he gave. Now open your mouth and drink.” He obediently opens and I pour what I think are two table-spoons into his mouth. No one told me the measurements needed. “Now rest while I get you something to eat.” He nods and closes his eyes. I have never seen him so vulnerable before, it breaks my heart, why had Maggie left him? I go to our small kitchen and dig in the cupboards for food, to my horror I only find a carrot which is on the verge of going mouldy, some rice, and a potato. I cook the rice. That will fill him up for now. Once I have the rice in a bowl with a clean spoon I return to papa, he clearly did not go to sleep because he stares at me as I walk in. 

“What did you do to get that medicine Esme, heck, I already feel better.” He sounds better too. 

“I did nothing. I asked him, and he told me where to get it, which happened to be in a cupboard in the kitchen.” I give him the rice, which he practically inhales.

“Fine, I believe you, but do you know what’s in it? I have never felt so great in my life.” He says in amazement. I pick up the bottle, it has no label on it, looking inside I see a thick red liquid which had a metallic smell to it. “Perhaps you should have some, stop you from getting infected with whatever that ghastly disease was. My lungs will no doubt ever work as well ever again.” It was a good idea. I hesitantly bring it to my lips and swallow two mouthfuls. It tasted sweet, like strawberries and honey, and it warmed my insides like a hot drink on a cold day.

“Wow.” I exclaim.

“Yeah, tastes awful but it makes you feel better.” He moves to sit up and places his bowl on the floor.

“Awful?” 

“Yeah, like sewage water don’t you think?” He chuckles. It did not taste like sewage did it? I take another sip, strawberries and honey!

“Yeah, sewage.” I laugh nervously. Why does it taste different to me? Without warning Maggie bursts in. She looks angry. Very angry.

“Where have you been young lady?” She screeches. “Leaving me with both your papa and George to look after. Young girls these days have no sense of responsibility. Your papa is dying and you’re off prancing-“ She looks twice at my papa, and her hand flies to her mouth. “How… I mean, no one has recovered…” She mumbles. The looks right at me. “What did you do?” She wails, “Please help George, please!” Oh dear.

“I… I came back and he was like this…” I stutter.

“Don’t lie child! I checked on him not two hours ago!” She hisses.

“Maggie, do not talk to my daughter that way! She is right, I suddenly felt better, had something to eat and here we are; now I would appreciate it if you would leave. I appreciate you looking after me and send my best wishes to George.” Papa sounded furious, I had never heard him talk like that before. Maggie splutters, before turning and leaving. “I am sure there is a reason you cannot tell anyone about that medicine, so I will respect that, but I think you should get rid of it.” He pats my shoulder and walks out. “I’ll check and clean the animals.” Yep, that medicine is a miracle. But what do I do with it?