Chapter 35

When Catherine woke up the next morning, she still had her arm around Steve who was still asleep.

'That means he must have slept through – without any nightmares or any kind of restlessness, I count that as another win. Small steps.' Catherine thought.

She needed the bathroom, but tried to avoid it for a bit longer, because she didn't want to let go – afraid that the "loss" would wake her friend and because she felt really comfortable with him so close. But forty minutes later she couldn't wait any longer. When she moved her arm away, Steve moaned softly. When she rolled over to get up, he mumbled "don't leave."

"I'll be back in a minute. I just need the bathroom."

"'kay."

When she returned, she got into the same position as before.

"That okay?"

"Very."

"Feel better?"

"Not that whacked anymore, but still tired and my hand is throbbing."

"I'll get you some painkillers," Catherine said and loosened her hold.

"No, stay. It is not that bad. Just stay. I…I need that right now."

"That is good, because I need that too."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

They fell silent again just enjoying the comfort they were providing each other.

"Catherine?"

"Hm, yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"That sounds good."

"Yes, it does."

They stayed in bed for two more hours.

"Catherine?"

"Yeah?"

"I am starving. Do you think we can go somewhere and have a big breakfast?"

"Of course, we can. "Ocean view" is making breakfast till 1 pm and we are not even close to that. Gives us some time for a shower. And we have to see if Danny is already up. How about I take my shower first and ask Danny if he likes going out too?"

"Sounds good. Can…can you help me with the shave again?"

"Of course. Remember to wrap your hand before you shower, so you don't get it wet. I'll have a look at that too before we go. If the pain is still manageable, we'll take the pills with us and you can take them after you have eaten something."

When they arrived at "Ocean view" there were much more guests than they had expected, but still plenty of free tables. They chose one and "ordered" the buffet. It was extensive and delicious. Although Steve had said that he was starving he didn't even manage half as much as he wanted to. Everything smelled, looked and tasted very good, but he was full from one moment to the next and he didn't want to risk getting nauseous or even worse – vomiting.

But at least he ate more than the last few mornings at home.

They had a good time and when they left the restaurant everyone was in a good mood.

When they arrived at home all three sat on the lanai to relax after the rich breakfast. Thirty minutes later Steve told his friends that he was going to take a nap on the couch. Danny went to play fetch with Eddie while Catherine stayed on her seat to start her new book.

An hour later Steve returned with a sandwich and a banana in his hand.

"Hey, how was the nap?"

"Good, but I woke up feeling hungry. Thought I take care of that. Where is Danny?"

Before Catherine could answer Eddie came running towards his master. When Steve looked up, he saw Danny a few yards behind, but at a much slower pace. Steve put his food on the table to cuddle his dog.

"Hey," Danny said. "Up already? Very good. I came back to ask Catherine about dinner today. Now that you are here, we can all talk together. I thought about getting out tonight as well. We had a good time this morning and it would do us all good to see something different. What do you think?"

"I like the idea," Catherine said.

"If we are not going in an hour or two, I like idea as well. But I need to eat something now. And if we go too early, I am not hungry enough again."

"That is no problem. Since it's Tuesday I don't think the restaurant will be that crowded. That means we don't need reservations and can go whenever we like."

They discussed a few alternatives before they decided to go to "Waialua BBQ". They made great steaks, but they also had big salads, vegetarian food, spareribs, seafood and fish – or generally speaking something for everyone's liking. When they were done talking, Steve who had finished his snack, said "I am sorry, guys, but I need to take a nap. I feel like I am going to fall asleep any minute." He stood up and went inside.

He slept for two hours before he came out again. "Hey guys. I don't want to say it, but I am hungry."

They all changed into decent clothes and drove to the restaurant. It had a great price-performance ratio. All three were more than full and just like at "Ocean view" Steve insisted on paying. He even gave a more than usual tip. He felt good and had enjoyed the whole day – considering that he slept through half of it, it didn't sound surprising, but for him it was something special and he was planning on enjoying every one of these moments. They were so rare at this stage of his life. But he was also determined to enjoy them after "all this" was over and to never ever take them for granted anymore, but to be thankful for every single one he would get.