“Thank you, Brog.” I gave his arm a squeeze and shook out the first pill for Adam while Brog retreated downstairs once more.
“What are they?” Adam asked.
“Oxy.”
“Dose?”
I told him.
“Two now, babe,” he said.
I didn’t argue.
He sighed the moment they kicked in and relaxed into the pillows. Tor stood by the bed, watching both him and me. I waited until Adam’s breathing evened out.
“He’s hurt more than he wants me to know,” I said softly. “He hates those pills.”
I continued to watch Adam, dreading what it meant that he’d wanted two.
“Thank you for the blanket and pillow.”
Embracing the distraction, I sat on my side of the bed and turned toward Tor with Adam between us.
“You didn’t look very comfortable when I woke up.”
Tor shrugged and sat down.
“Emily said that you were in those caves for a long time. That you had many lives. Like reincarnation?”
“I have been reborn many times the same as I am now, but no hair and no injuries or scars.”
“And all your memories?” I asked, thinking of what Emily had said.
“Yes.”
He didn’t look upset by it, but I could only imagine the trauma involved in dying. It wouldn’t be something I would want to remember. If I would have known Tor better, I would have offered him a hug. Instead I gave him an understanding look and kept talking to him.
“What happened to your women?”
“We never had any. Not as we are. And we don’t remember the ones from before the caves.”
“Have you met any nice ones since coming up here?”
“Many.”
I smiled. “Anyone special who interests you?”
“All the nice ones are already taken. But I still have hope. We all do. Rest, June. Adam will need you again in a few hours.”
“Sleep sweet, Tor.” I settled on my side and lightly rested my hand on Adam’s shoulder so I would feel when he woke up.
A bit before dawn, Adam proved Tor’s prediction correct. However, it wasn’t with restless twitches. The soft rumble of conversation wormed its way into my awareness.
“She stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw her. She didn’t want to give me the time of day. I can’t imagine my life without June.”
“Then why doesn’t she wear your ring?”
I kept my eyes closed, fully awake now.