HG's spots had begun to fade by the time Artie forced Myka back to work– though she was technically not contagious anymore, it was decided that HG should remain at the B&B and avoid the possibly dangerous effects of any number of artifacts. The morning of Myka's return, she brought a very full tray up to HG's room.
"Alright," she said, obviously frenzied and not looking forward to leaving. "I know you won't need most of these, but the nausea medicine is in this bottle. The calamine is in the pink, and pain medication is the two pills here. I've made you a sandwich and some tea, and if you need anything I have my Farnsworth and you can–"
"Myka." HG stood up and took Myka's hands in her own. "I'll be fine. Really."
Myka furrowed her brows in concern, unconsciously stroking the back of Helena's hands with her thumbs. HG smiled at the gesture, but upon realizing what she was doing Myka tore her hands from HG's and blushed furiously. She turned and headed for the door.
"I must admit, though," HG called out after her, "I will be terribly glad to see you in the evening. I shall miss you during the waking hours."
Myka stopped at the door and looked back at HG. "Yeah," she said vaguely. "I wish you were well enough to join me today."
"As do I, darling," HG said. "And if I could ask you a favour…"
"Anything," Myka said, jumping at the chance to be of help.
"Think about what I can do for you to thank you for taking care of me," HG said. "We'll discuss it upon your return."
Myka nodded after a moment and departed without a word, leaving HG alone in her room for the first time in days. She felt the emptiness, deciding to fill the time with Shakespeare's sonnets as she and Myka had done so often. As she flipped the book open and began to read, her mind strayed back to Myka.
The anticipation was unbearable.