Him
Rose slept for three days. She woke only to eat, drink, do her business, and vomit. She moaned and talked in her sleep. Mostly it was about the pain, but occasionally I would catch something about a man and a kiss. I assumed she was talking about me. I was allowed in with her three times a day. In the morning the afternoon and the evening. I held her hand and spoke to her. I finished reading her the book and I started another, knowing I would have to re-read it later on, but that didn't bother me.
She woke on the fifth morning. I was reading a passage from the book when I heard her say, "Amir, help."
I stood. "Yes, what?"
"Water . . ."
I raced out of the tent and to the well. I filled her favorite cup with water and hurried back. She drank it all greedily, like she hadn't drank in a thousand years. "Thanks." I nodded and leaned over her. I kissed her gently.
"What happened?"
"I have a broken rib and a lot of bruises. I need to bathe, but I don't think I can stand. I don't think I have ever felt so completely helpless." she sighed and rubbed her eyes. She looked at me and I think I appeared overeager because her eyes grew wide in that gesture of fear that I had grown so used to.
"Rose?" Her eyes flashed and it looked like she was watching something intently, like a vision or something. Then she turned to me and whispered something. "What?"
I leaned down. "If you love me, you'll go." her voice was shaking and I knew that her old fears had returned. "What? No, Rose? Are you okay? Don't be this way!" she turned away from me. " Rose!"
"Just go away."
It stung. I didn't think it would hurt as much as it did. Why doesn't she trust me anymore? I didn't hurt her! I've done nothing but be kind to her. I walked back to our camp. Everyone was in the progress of packing up. We were leaving. I had planned to stay and live with Rose, but now I wasn't sure. "Amir, where is Rose? I heard she is better." Father approached me and rested his hand on my arm.
"She doesn't want me anymore." My voice was hoarse. His grip tightened.
"If she knows what is good for her she will find you."
"You didn't spend every waking moment you could at her bedside!"
"No, I didn't. Get your things we leave in one hour." Tears stung my eyes as he walked away. It's for the best! She doesn't need you any more. She is better off! I told myself, but even that could not stop the hollow sob that filled my throat. I turned and went to work.