12
Jeff woke early the next day. Although his fever had abated, he still felt the deep aches caused by it and his leg was throbbing like crazy. Kyrano had explained he had chipped the bone, it was no wonder he had felt so sick! He managed to grab a glass of water off the table and take a sip himself. Just to be at a normal temperature again was a relief his mind felt sharper but he still had no memory recall. He would just have to take things one step at a time and pray it returned. His stomach felt calmer than it had done which was a relief, he still had a few twinges but he felt confident it would pass and not trouble him again. For now, he seemed safe here which was reassuring. He was lucky this man and his daughter had rescued him and taken him in. He wasn't sure he would have survived otherwise. He sighed and tried to get out of the bed. He needed to visit the bathroom. He tentatively stepped on the floor with his good leg hopping along whilst holding on to the thin mattress for support. He staggered in his weakened state catching the foot of his bad leg; causing him to see white for a brief moment caused by jarring his affected leg. He hissed sharply ("Shit!" that hurt!) as he felt the tissue around the wound tighten, the throbbing intensified again. There was a knock and Kyrano entered.
"Mr. Tracy! Here let me help you." Kyrano quickly placed himself under Jeff's arm and steered him towards the modest bathroom opposite the bedroom. He was amazed Mr. Tracy was even standing.
"Thank you, do you mind if I clean up?" Jeff asked.
"Not at all." Kyrano opened the cupboard in the bathroom and pulled out a fresh fluffy white towel and a new set of bed clothes. it was clear from Mr. Tracy's body language that he was determined to look after himself. This was a man who valued his independence, regardless of his condition. Kyrano pointed to the soap, gave Jeff a razor (in case he wanted one) and showed him how to operate the shower head.
"Just call if you need help or when you are ready and I will help you back to your room." Jeff looked relieved to be left on his own, he was already embarrassed as to how much Kyrano and his daughter might have seen. He was aware he was a mess but he must have been so much worse before he got here, he could only assume they had bathed him when attending to his wounds.
"Thank you, how can I ever repay your kindness?" Jeff was humbled by this mans compassionate nature.
"It is no trouble Mr. Tracy I am just happy you are recovering so well, that is the most important thing to me. We were very worried about you." He smiled.
"Thank you." Jeff replied but the words just didn't seem to do justice to the complete gratitude he felt towards this man and his daughter. He would find a way to thank them properly.
Jeff shut the door and took a looked around. There was a small sink basin encased in a worktop with a simple brown unit underneath. A large square mirror on the wall. Jeff was stunned at his appearance in the flickering light. He rubbed a hand against the grey/black bristles and took in his sunken eyes. He looked weak and gaunt but also there seemed to be a great sadness expressed in his eyes and he wasn't sure why. He was almost afraid of what he might discover if his memory did come back, his bodily condition looked to be bad before the accident. He couldn't have gotten into this state within the last couple of days. What on earth could have happened? He started to wonder what kind of life he had experienced before. He noticed some significant old scars to his forearms and his calloused hands, strange afflictions for a businessman to have he reflected as he turned his hands over. He also looked like he was used to hard labour at some point too. Hmmm; he pondered what that might mean.
He stripped off the shirt that was still damp from his fever and the general humidity of the tropics. He could hear the rain pounding down on the roof above. It was like a monsoon! As his head cleared his shirt he gasped in shock at the sight of his torso. His hands shook slightly as they ran over the freshly sutured wounds across his torso and biceps. The one across his midriff was especially deep and long. He noticed that despite his frail condition it looked like he had some well-defined muscle tone not too long ago, he obviously usually liked to keep himself in shape, which was impressive considering his age (He assumed he was middle aged - having no idea). Looking at the state of him it was going to be a sponge bath, he didn't want to get the wounds too wet. The bruising around his shoulders and across his chest was an intense dark black and purple no wonder it hurt just to breathe; he had really taken a beating he mused. By now he had filled the basin and used the sponge to start tentatively dabbing at his exposed skin whilst trying no to wince as he stretched his injuries when moving. He sat on the edge of the bath to rest his wounded leg. Once satisfied he was clean he then started to shave, lathering up the foam and slicing away at the dense beard.
When he emerged from the bathroom, clean shaven and dressed he felt like a different man. He didn't feel so weak and sickly which improved his demeanour immeasurably. Just the smell of cleanliness made him feel brighter in himself. In the time he had been in the bathroom the sheets had been changed, the fresh linen soft and comfortable against his skin. Tin-Tin brought in some fresh toasted rolls for breakfast with scrambled eggs that would be gentle on his stomach. She also brought in some coffee which Jeff's face lit up as he caught the aroma. She tried not to gasp at the winning smile he gave her, banishing the sorrowfulness from his eyes as they sparkled in anticipation. Now he had shaven she could see just how handsome he was for an older man. What a jawline! and those cheekbones, so defined! Oh my! He must have had all the girls after him in his youth! Instead she returned his smile with her own.
"So, tell me a bit about yourself, have you always lived here?" Jeff was keen to get to know his rescuers more as right now they were the only people he vaguely knew. He was very grateful for all they had done. He began to tuck into his breakfast in earnest, he had quite the appetite all of a sudden and the delectable aroma of the coffee had his mouth watering.
"My family have lived here on the coast for many generations, I used to teach at the local school until my recent retirement. My daughter here hopes to go to university in the near future to study engineering. She completed an apprenticeship with a large aerospace company in Kula Lumpur last year." Kyrano looked proudly at his daughter.
"I wasn't sure if it was the right career for me but its one of the leading industries to be in right now and I was so pleased to be offered the apprenticeship. The more I learned the more I realised I have a passion for it and I now want to study aeronautical engineering in more detail so I can hopefully secure a worthy position in the industry in the future." She smiled.
"Wow Tin-Tin what an amazing aspiration to have! What universities are you looking at?" Jeff used the napkin to wipe away the last few crumbs and took a swig of water and painkillers that Kyrano offered.
"Well at the moment it depends on my savings but I would love to study abroad I should like to see some more of the world and experience different cultures."
"What about you Kyrano, any plans for your retirement?" Jeff quizzed.
"No Mr. Tracy; I will simply see where it takes me. I have a fondness for reading and learning it maybe I choose to study something new like my daughter."
"You love cooking!" his daughter pointed out.
He smiled. "It's true cooking is a great passion of mine its nice to have the time to expand on my recipes."
"Well you are an excellent chef! I know I've only had simple fare so far while I recover but you make it taste exquisite, I can't imagine how good your other recipes are."
"Thank you, Mr. Tracy, you are too kind" Kyrano looked sheepish at the high praise.
"How are you feeling now Mr. Tracy?" Tin-tin enquired removing the tray with the empty plate and cup.
"Much better thanks to you and your father, I am sure I would have died without your help and expert care. My leg is still throbbing like mad but its a welcome relief not to be delirious! Hopefully in a couple of days I will feel more like myself and be able to sort something out, I don't want to encroach on your already honourable hospitality."
"You are welcome Mr. Tracy. Please stay as long as you need, it is no trouble." Kyrano was happy to continue to look after his guest.
"Yes Mr. Tracy. You must stay at least until you regain your memory or someone finds you." Tin-tin insisted smiling warmly. "If you don't mind me asking what was the last thing you remember?" She was curious to know more.
"I…. I am not sure. I woke up in a tree, upside down I think? I was strapped to a chair of some kind, I guess it must have been the pilot's seat from the plane you found. Anyway, I managed to drop out of that before crawling some distance and finding some water (Although I realise now, I shouldn't have drunk it but at the time I was desperate.) Then I remember collapsing where you found me. I recall you offering me water and trying to wake me but that's it. Right now, you are the only people I know." Tin-tin placed a reassuring hand on top of Jeff's.
"I'm sure your memory will come back in time." voiced Kyrano. He could see Mr. Tracy's eyes were drifting, the conversation and getting up seemed to have taxed him greatly. "We will leave you in peace for now; you still need to rest and sleep is a great healer. Kyrano placed a few books and the morning copy of the English paper within Jeff's reach for when he felt like it. Jeff did feel tired, Kyrano was right he should try to sleep, he had been through quite an ordeal. His head hit the pillow before they had even left the room. Tin-tin was pleased to see Jeff's features relax, he looked more at peace than yesterday which was a good sign. Her father and herself would continue to take it in turns to check on his temperature at intervals. Kyrano closed the door gently behind them both as they exited.