“No, I…” She stammers. “I didn’t mean… I don’t want you to go. Unless you want to,” Her broken uncertainty is interrupted by a fit of coughing. Christ, it sounds uncomfortable. My hand returns soothingly to her back, where I rub circles until she’s recovered again.
“Shall I call the nurse?” I offer.
Abi shoots me a look that clearly states, ‘don’t be ridiculous.’ It’s so… Abi. “It’s just a cold, Carl.”
“I’ve never seen you with a cold.” I try my best to look contrite, but her expression is so familiar, I can barely suppress a smile. A resurfacing thought sobers me. Out of habit, I run a hand through my hair. “We should talk.”
Her focus returns to the soup. “I know,” she answers quietly.
I gulp uncertainly. I thought she’s offer at least a little resistance. Oh, how the tables have tu
