More Than a Memory

Unlocking Fate

(Note: The text in brackets [ ] is York telling his story, which I've done in attempts to avoid confusion with tense and dialogue within his tale. Please let me know if it does or does not make sense.) 

Day 57 On the Job

York walks downstairs this morning, not noticing the unusual quiet until he breaks it opening the refrigerator. Turning around he sees the T.V. turned off and the couch deserted. D, what's up with this? he thinks, looking out the kitchen window, seeing everything the way it normally is.

"I have not detected any threats. I do not know the reason for their absence."

Somehow that doesn't make me feel any better. At that moment York hears the familiar creak of Joe and Margaret's door followed by soft footsteps towards the stairs.

"York, are you up?" he hears Margaret call out.

"In the kitchen," he yells back, sighing in relief.

"I hate to ask this of you," she begins, walking into the room, "but Joe is really sick, and everything still needs to get done, and I don't want him to—"

"Whoa, slow down. I can get it all done so he can rest. And of course I'll do whatever else I can to help."

"Oh, thank you. I've already called the doctor, and they'll come take a look at him as soon as they can. I should be able to help you with some of the stuff once the doctor gives a diagnosis, but I'd rather stay with him until then, if you think you can handle things. I could possibly see if one of the neighbors can spare someone to help for a few hours too."

"Nah, there's no need for that. Just take care of Joe, I've got the rest. Any idea what he's got though?"

"He has some flu symptoms, but they seem worse than they should for an ordinary flu. We'll have to wait and see."

"I hope it's nothing serious, but I should get something to eat and get started on everything. Let me know what the doctor says, or if you need anything."

***

York walks into the house after finishing the evening feeding to find Margaret at the stove.

"What are you doing?"

"Cooking you dinner. It's the least I could do after all you've done today."

"I do appreciate it, but aren't there other things you could be doing? And how's Joe?"

"He's resting now. Though the diagnosis isn't great. I mean, he should be fine, but it may take a little while, and he's in quite some pain. The doctor gave him some antibiotics, but they can only do so much."

"Oh. What does he have? And is it contagious?"

"Shingles, so it depends whether you had chicken pox before, or if you've been vaccinated. Though Joe got the vaccine several years back and it didn't work for him."

"Oh, wow. But no need to worry about me. I got all the latest vaccines when I joined the army. It doesn't go well if whole troops come down with something, ya know?"

"Good, we were worried even being in the house might be dangerous for you. In that case, Joe wanted me to ask if he could thank you in person for taking care of things today. Of course, that's if you're comfortable with it, he won't be offended if you aren't."

"Of course, I'd like to see him. And my offer still stands to help with whatever needs getting done until he's feeling better."

"We really can't thank you enough. Feel free to go up after dinner, just don't wake him if he's asleep."