I woke several times during the night. I thought someone was in the house at one point. I felt someone there. Nothing I could do about it, though.
Then, after fourteen hours of sleep, I woke and found that I was actually feeling better. I could almost think straight again. Exhaustion still had a hold on me, though. All my joints ached. My eyesight was blurry. I could hear music playing softly in the house. Erykah Badu, one of my favorites.
There was a knock on the bedroom door and I said, Tm decent.
Who goes there?’
Jannie pushed open the door. She was holding a red plastic tray with a breakfast of poached eggs, hot cereal, orange juice, and a mug of steaming coffee. She was smiling, obviously proud of herself. I smiled back at her. That’s my girl. What a little sweetheart she was when she wanted to be.
‘I don’t know if you can eat yet. Daddy. I brought you some breakfast. Just in case.’
“Thank you, sweetie, I’m feeling a little better,’! said. I was able to push myself up in bed, then prop a few pillows behind me with my good hand.
Jannie carried the tray over to the bed and carefully set it on my lap. She leaned in and kissed my fuzzy cheek. ‘Somebody needs a shave.’
‘You’re being so nice,’ I said to her.
‘I am nice. Daddy,’Jannie answered back.’You feel good enough for a little company? We’ll just watch you eat - we’ll be good. No trouble. Is it ............