Page 72 of The History in Us

Katie

The doctor said it was a miracle Levi survived.

“He has a fighter’s instincts, that’s for certain,” the emergency room attendee huffed with disbelief. His head shook in wonder. They completed procedures to remove his prosthetic and allow the skin to warm. He suffered an extreme case of hypothermia as well as a lowered heart rate. The necessary time for recovery was undetermined. Levi might need a new prosthetic as the original one was damaged in the water.

As the doctor spoke, I remained wrapped in a thermal blanket, conditioning my own body temperature to rise and settle. I suffered shock, and fear, but mostly shock from the trauma of watching Levi fall and feeling so helpless to rescue him. I didn’t blame myself as much as hate myself for not knowing what to do.

“He’s a survivor. I imagine he has skills unpracticed by the common man,” the doctor reassured.

“Can I see him now?” I wasn’t certain Levi would want to see me, but I had to know he was better. He was going to mend.

Cautiously, I entered his room. Monitors beeped, and an IV dripped into his veins. I stood a moment staring at his slightly bluish skin, that nauseating sensation returning. The fear of losing Levi was so great, my own heart beat double time. I had no idea what to label what we had or what we were doing, but I knew how I felt. I loved him. I wanted to be with him, hoping one day, he might feel the same about me.

Slowly, his eyes opened and his head rolled toward me.

“Hey,” I croaked, taking a step toward him, wanting to envelop him in my arms and press him close in an attempt to warm him and melt the cold gaze in his eyes. He blinked and stared up at the ceiling. I stepped closer, without his permission, but kept my hands to myself.

“Katie?” He choked and swallowed hard. His head rolled back to face me, and his expression shifted. “You’re really here?”

“Where else would I be?” I asked, tears coming to my eyes as my hand lifted to brush over his hair.

“You weren’t with me in the ambulance. I thought something happened to you.” He swallowed again, closing his eyes briefly but opening them again just as quickly.

“Nothing happened to me,” I offered. “But I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

His brow pinched with effort and his lids lowered again. “Why?” he choked out.

“I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to save you, and the closer I got, the more I worried I’d make it worse.”

His head rolled from side to side.

“You already saved me,” he spoke in a raspy whisper, startling me with his words. “This was not your fault.” His lids remained closed. I gasped at the admission, but decided against further conversation when I couldn’t meet his eyes.

“You should rest.” My hand slipped down to his blanket-covered arms. Touching him like that wasn’t enough, but I didn’t want to disturb him. Rest was vital to his recovery. He didn’t open his eyes, and I stepped away. I’d hardly lowered my heel when he croaked, “Stay.”

My eyes jumped to his, which were wild looking and lost. I stepped back to his side and brushed my hand over his head again, cupping his still-chilled cheek.

“Of course,” I whispered. His head shook, and I thought he wanted me to remove my hand.

“Don’t leave me,” his voice grumbled low. Using effort he shouldn’t have been exerting, his fingers slipped out from under the blankets. Opening and closing his palm, like he reached for something but couldn’t find it, his hand stretched outward. I set my hand in his, and his fingers tightened instantly. With a wince and a struggle, he scooted over in the bed.

“Levi…” I began, questioning what he was doing.

“Climb in,” he croaked, his eyes closing once more. “Warm me,” he sleepily muttered.

“Levi, I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I said, trying to tease him, but the sound came out like a barking seal in distress. His eyes opened instantly again.

“Please.” The word broke me. I removed my shoes and slipped under the blankets. My leg slipped between his and he sighed. My hands braced on his chest and he nuzzled his face close to mine.

“I’m going to dream of you,” he whispered, as his voice turned sleepy to match his closed eyes.

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