Chapter 33 More Rain (Two)

• “I’ll get the coconut husks to get some water for us in case it rains,” I tell him, but he doesn’t respond. His eyes are closed and he seems to be asleep, his breathing sounding ragged and labored. He sleeps a lot now, something I’m actually grateful for because at least when he’s asleep, he would not feel the pain as acutely as if he is awake.
• I can’t believe how much I’ve come to care for him in the span of a few days, and I know that if he dies, I’ll be devastated. I can’t even think of such a thing happening. I get the husks and come back to sit beside him, and then although I feel guilty for doing so, I rouse him.
• “Charles, listen. It looks like it’s going to rain. We really need to move you inside the cave. The last thing we need is for you to get a cold in your condition.” I tell him. He raises feverish eyes to my face and peers at me in the evening light as though he doesn’t recognize who I am.