Chapter 9: Presence
I heard the slight sound of Hank’s body hitting the mattress, but continued to sit before the fire. After a while darkness gathered outside the cottage and in the corners of the room. Tonight, I realized that I wasn’t in the least afraid, and I wondered at this at first. Then it struck me. I was not concerned about myself at the moment, I was thinking about Hank, suffering in that bedroom.
I had no idea what to do, if anything could usefully be done. I thought about Henry’s presence, if it was him, and now, tonight, I found I greatly desired it, no so much for me, though I felt I would welcome it for myself as well, but for Hank.
After considering, I laid my hands, palm upward on the arms of the chair, and relaxed, thinking what I hoped were inviting thoughts. At som
