Shoutouts:
JustDuck: thanks for the reviews. I'll try to answer a couple of your questions.
Silk - I'll try to get to her in the next few chapters…
Sage - This story is part of a group of stories by various authors about different characters. I'm just the only one who has posted anything. Even during 1900 a new widow would have worn black (or for those poorer women, dark colors) while in mourning. That is how Silk knew that Sage had lost her husband. Sage works for Mrs. B (the owner of the building) and she would have seen Spot coming and going, but wouldn't necessarily known his name. According to the story being written about Sage, Skittery delivered a package to Spot and Silk and met Sage in the hallway. That's about all I can say about that story without giving it away.
Kick - I can't find my book, but if I remember correctly it's slang for pocket.
When Spot woke the next morning Silk was still in his arms, her head resting on his chest. Tears soaked his shirt where she had her face buried and the hand that griped his shirt was white. "Lessa…" he said softly.
She whimpered.
"I'm going to get some water so you can take your medicine," he said, trying to move out from under her.
She tightened her grip on his shirt. "Please don't leave me," she whimpered.
He kissed her forehead and moved quickly to the door. He was surprised to see Katie sitting in the chair, reading a book. "Katie, I need a glass of water…now…" he said, slipping back over to the bed where Silk lay. He sat next to her, resting her head in his lap.
A moment later Katie walked into the room with a glass of water, a confused look on her face. She crossed the room and handed the glass to Spot.
He eased Silk into a sitting position and helped her take the medicine and drink the water. Once he set the glass aside, he held her close, gently stroking her hair. Katie stood near the door as she watched, baffled. After a few minutes, Spot eased Silk back onto the bed and cover her with the quilt. He crossed the room and put his arm around Katie as they left the room.
"What's wrong with her?" she asked.
He sighed deeply, sinking onto the couch. "She was hit by a carriage about two months ago…she can't walk…"
"Will she ever walk again?" his sister asked, sitting next to him.
"There is very little chance of that happening…"
"How long have you known her?" she asked, longing to know more about her brother.
"We met shortly after I went back to the orphanage to find you…picked my pocket…she's been the bane of my existence ever since…"
Katie looked at her brother. "I watched you just now, big brother. It's obvious that you care for her a great deal."
"I will not treat my wife the way Da treated Ma. I won't do it, Katie! I won't abandon her when she needs me most!"
"I know, Spot."
He stood up and started pacing the room.
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Spot walked into the flat after work to find his sister packing her meager belongings. "Where are you going?"
She paused and looked at him over her shoulder. "I'm moving upstairs with your friend Rae."
"Why? You know you'll always be welcome here."
She sighed. "Spot…I've been here for two weeks. You've spent more time with me than you have with your wife. I know that we haven't seen each other in a long time, but your wife needs your attention."
"Where is she?"
"Sleeping off the pain medication."
He nodded. "You'll let me know if you need anything?"
"Of course," she said, stuffing the last skirt in her carpetbag. She walked over and hugged him. "I'm just upstairs." She kissed his cheek and left the flat.
He sighed and slipped into the bedroom. Silk was laying on her side with her hand tucked under her cheek. He sat beside her and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
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Silk sat on the couch as Spot washed the last few dishes. "How's your sister doing living with Rae?"
"They'll do fine as long as Rae doesn't try to teach Katie any of her tricks. If she does, I'll just have to go up there and have a little heart-to-heart with Rae."
"How long have you known Rae?"
"Forever. She's been playing pranks on O'Malley and getting me blamed for them since we could walk."
Silk laughed. "She's gotten me into a lot of trouble too. We used to be partners."
He walked over and sat on the end of the couch.
She sat up quickly. "Spot! That hurts!"
"What?" he asked, jumping to his feet.
"You sat on my feet!" she yelled. "And it hurt!"
"Your feet?"
She nodded, looking at her feet. "I felt you sit on them…"
He whooped and bent down to kiss her. When he pulled back a moment later, Silk gave a disappointed sigh. She reached up and curled her hand in his shirt. They stared at each other a moment, before she pulled him back down and kissed him.