Chapter 71: The Cold

Takes place during Edge Without A Home, after Becky is returned to Eret after ten months of being apart.

(Eret's POV)

I wake up to sneezing, and I look beside me and see my poor Becky is sneezing repeatedly.

"My love, are you alright?"

"I'm fine…ACHOO!"

"You don't sound fine to me, love." I kiss her forehead to check her temperature, and she's burning up.

"My darling, you're burning up. I think you might have a cold, honey."

"Great. Just what I need after…"

"After what?"

"Nothing…it's nothing."

"Well, I believe you just earned some extra cuddle time with me."

"I wouldn't want to get you sick."

"I've got the best immune system out of the two of us…no offense."

"None taken. And, yes, I accept that extra cuddle time."

"I'm glad."

A few minutes pass before Becky speaks up.

"Eret?"

"Yes, my love?"

"I have to tell you something…and I don't know how you'll take it."

"You can tell me anything, honey. You know that."

"Okay. Remember how I told you about how I was adopted?"

"Yeah."

"I was adopted because…because I tried to kill myself."

Tears form in my eyes.

"What?"

"I…I was at a really low place in my life. I didn't know what else to do, so I threw myself in the lake in the cove, and Ruffnut and Tuffnut – my adoptive siblings – rescued me. If it wasn't for them, I'd be dead."

"I'll have to thank them for saving you when I meet them."

"I'm sure you will…if I ever see them again."

"My love, you will see your siblings again. I guarantee it."

"Eret, what if you're wrong?"

"If I'm wrong…gods…I really hope I'm not wrong. I couldn't stand to see you with you-know-who anymore."

"Thank you, Eret."

"You're welcome."

She covers another sneeze.

"Bless you."

"Thanks…"

"You're welcome. Try to get some rest, darling. I'll be right here with you. I promise."

Becky nods and snuggles up to me, and eventually goes back to sleep.

I can only pray to the gods and hope she gets better soon.