"When we build a culture of understanding and uphold human dignity, we build a better world." - Ban Ki Moon
The next morning, Partick awoke before Shelagh and surveyed his surroundings. Overnight he had settled uncharacteristically onto his back, and Shelagh had come to rest her head with one ear on his heart. Rather than risking Shelagh waking up, Patrick remained still and ran his fingers through Shelagh's beautiful hair.
" Good Morning Shelagh. How are you feeling?"
" A bit groggy, but I'm okay."
"Are you ready for breakfast and your medication?"
"Not yet, Patrick, please can we stay here for a few more minutes?"
" Alright."
After a few minutes, Patrick noticed Shelagh grimace as though she were in pain.
" Shelagh, are you okay? Please, is something wrong?"
" My stomach feels a bit queasy, and I believe it might be to do with my cycle."
"How about some Toast and Jam? Do you think that might help?"
"I don't know, but I'll try it."
"How about I choose your dress, and you make the toast?"
The longer Patrick waited to get toast into Shelagh, the peakier she looked, suddenly Patrick decided against his previous decision.
"Shelagh, how about you take a moment and visit the toilet, and I'll pop down and make some buttered toast for you."
The only response Shelagh could manage was a nod. She felt ill as she had only one other time in the past, in the early days of her time in the sanatorium.
Shelagh thankfully didn't lose the precious nutrients of the past few meals she had eaten, but it didn't stop her from feeling awful and wanting to spend the day in Patrick's arms.
" Here's your toast and a nice glass of water, or do you think tea might sit better?"
" Thank you, Patrick. I think I feel more up to water and toast."
" Right, after you've eaten and given it a minute to set, I'll give you your medicine."
" Okay."
" I'm just going to pop into the hall and make a phone call, and then I'll come back and hold you."
"Thank you, Patrick."
Based on Shelagh's peaky appearance and weak stomach, Patrick wanted to find out the real treatment plan that Shelagh had been on and what happened during the duration of her time at the Sanitorium.
"Saint Anne's Sanitorium reception, how may I be of assistance."
" Yes, Hello. My name is Turner, and I'm calling about obtaining records about a patient of mine."
"Right. I'll get you transferred."
After a short hold, the records receptionist informed Patrick that someone would call once his specific request was fulfilled. With this done, Patrick retrieved Shelagh's medication and held her for a time until she felt up to getting dressed and making lunch.
In the afternoon, Patrick and Shelagh took a short walk in the park and enjoyed the fresh air.
" How are you feeling, Shelagh? You seem to be feeling a bit better." Patrick asked as they paused to rest on a park bench.
" I still feel a bit peaky now and then, but I do feel a bit better."
" Shelagh, I-I know you're scared, but what part scares you the most? Or I suppose parts because multiple things could scare you."
" Oh Patrick, so many parts of this do. I was scared to tell you that I was hurting, that nothing made sense when you were at work, and I was home without you. I didn't know what you'd think if I told you that all I wanted to do was cry and let you hold me." as Shelagh whispered the last portion, Patrick hooked her chin and turned her face towards his. She had tears in her eyes, and she looked so childish.
" Shelagh, it's alright. I'm here for you, to grieve is human. Together, we will make progress."
" Can we call Angela when we get home? I need to hear her nonsense."
" We can do that. But first, I should tell you about the phone call I made this morning."
" Oh?"
" Shelagh, you feeling poorly could be to do with the medication. I made a phone call to the sanatorium to have your treatment records sent over."
" Patrick, you think me feeling unwell could be because of a medication I took then? But it's been years."
" Shelagh, one of the medications that you took years ago, is being used to treat depression. You're retaking Isoniazid."
"Patrick, I think I'd like to go home now and call Angela."
"Alright, Dearest, let's go."
Shelagh did seem a bit better after talking to Angela if one could call it a conversation. Sister Julienne brought dinner again that night, and before long, it was time for another dose of medication.
"Shelagh, are you upset about this medication? Are you upset that I am choosing to medicate you?"
"N-No Patrick, what makes you think that?"
"You seemed upset when I spoke about you, possibly…"
Suddenly Shelagh was in tears and clinging to him for dear life. It took a while, but Patrick eventually settles Shelagh down.
" It's so hard, Patrick. Everything reminds me of the past and Sister Evangelina. Sometimes I think I hear her in the hallway or worse, see her."
" It's alright, Shelagh; you're safe. No matter what happens. You won't wake up, everything being a dream."
" A-are you sure? I don't know if I could cope with it."
" Yes, would you like to sleep on the Settee tonight in pajama top?
"No, but I will if you want me to."
"Shelagh, I'm not upset. I promise I thought it might help a bit."
" Please, Patrick, just hold me. I don't want to talk anymore." Shelagh pled, tears still streaming down her face.
" Alright, but first, I need you to take your medication."
"Okay."