The night dragged on under the steady drum of rain against the windows. Lora sat beside Val on the wide bed, replacing the cold cloth on his forehead every time it grew warm. His fever burned high, turning his skin hot and dry. He hadn't let go of her hand since she tried to pull away earlier. At first she told herself it was because his muscles had simply given out from exhaustion and infection. Now she wasn't so sure.
"You better pay me good for this," she whispered, voice thick with tiredness.
Val's eyes opened halfway, glassy but aware. A faint, crooked smile touched his mouth. "How about I let you live one extra day?"
Lora huffed a tired laugh. "Sure. Do that." She lifted the cloth, folded a fresh one, and pressed it gently to his forehead. The cool fabric met his burning skin with a soft sound. She shifted closer on the mattress, exhaustion pulling at her bones. "Tell me when the towel gets warm again. I'm getting a quick shut-eye."
