Out For The Count

Tori pushed the disconnect button on the specially adapted phone Tom had installed in their new home. There was really no need for the strobe light that was activated when the phone rang, as Boomer was always there to let her know there was an incoming call. There was a screen on the phone that displayed a text of what the caller was saying, and as she hadn’t been born deaf, she spoke clearly enough to be understood.

She hated to have to say Tom couldn’t make the call to Captain Aubrey, and hoped that they would get the help they needed.

Boomer grabbed hold of her hand and gently led her to the bedroom. She found Tom doubled up on the edge of the bed in the middle of a violent coughing fit. She rushed over and sat by his side, her arm round his shoulders.

Looking at her, the tears streaming down his face from the effort of coughing, he spoke hoarsely, "Baby, please don’t get too close to me."

"Oh, Tom. We live together, sleep together, enjoy each others company…don’t you think it’s a bit late to worry about you infecting me?"

Tom smiled wanly, of course she was right, he was well past the infectious stage, and there was no way he wanted her to stay away from him. Just being there close to him somehow made him feel better. She kissed him and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later she was back with a glass of steaming hot lemon and honey, plus a couple of pannies.

"Take these, darling, and drink this before it gets cold."

Tom reached for the glass, and squeezed her hand before letting her go. Just then Boomer bounced into the bedroom and grabbed Tori again. This time she was taken to the front door.

Opening it, she was greeted by a very haggard looking Jeff. Asking him to come in and sit down, she knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth.

"How bad is he, Jeff?"

"He’s pretty crook, Luv…hang on two ticks, how did you…oh hell, how’s Tom?"

"I think they’re both in the same boat, Jeff. Is there anything I can do for you and Stevo?"

"If it’s not too much trouble, Luv. Could you see your way to lending me a jar of honey? The one time I would have forced myself to go into old man Jessup’s place, he’s bloody closed!"

"No worries, Jeff. I bought a new batch the other day so have a couple of spare jars. Are you okay for lemons and pannies?"

"Yes, thanks, Tori. Stevo always makes sure we have enough meds in the first aid box, and we’ve got fresh lemons on the bush. If you need anymore let me know and I’ll get some over for you."

"I’ll do that, Jeff. Which house are you at right now?"

"My place," Jeff replied, grinning. He knew that a lot of people around the Glen thought it was funny that the boys rotated between both their places, but it suited them down to the ground.

Tori got the jar of honey from the kitchen and walked to the door with Jeff. He gave her a hug and a kiss before heading out to his ute.

"I’ll call you in a couple of hours, Jeff, to see how you’re both going."

"Okie dokie, Luv. Look after Tom, and don’t you get sick."

Tori waved as Jeff drove away, then turned back inside the house to look after her man.