This is not the last chapter guys. I've been researching the symptoms of the Spanish flu to keep this as accurate as possible. I actually got my Mum to help with the experiences as she had to face the possibilities of a life-threatening illness first-hand. But the next chapter will just come from my head. Thanks for all the reviews guys; made my day as this is the first time I'm writing for fun in years.
My head is killing me. The ferocious pounding woke me up, but I don't have the energy to open my eyes.
So hot! I can't seem to move my limbs to get the unwielding, heavy weight off of me. I then feel a hand holding mine and realize that John has fallen asleep on top of me. My struggling roused him. I open my eyes with great effort and see that he is confused. It's dark but the candle is burning bright enough for me to see him clearly. I can see the exact moment he remembers where he is when he whips his head around, searching me with panic-stricken eyes.
I try to smile to stop him from worrying, but a sharp pain stabs through my head; I can't help but to shut my eyes and gasp in pain. He immediately gets up off of me and grips my hand tighter. He reaches over and puts a wet cloth on my forehead. The coolness of the cloth spreads through my body and I sigh with gratification.
"Anna... You're awake! How are you feeling? Is there anything else I can do for you?" he begged.
"I'll be fine..." I manage to croak out at barely a whisper before I start coughing again. At this, I suddenly remember what the doctor said earlier: I might die. A deathly cold goes up my spine and spreads through my body, bringing intense fear with it. I start shaking and silent tears run down my face.
"Oh, Anna... Anna. Don't lose hope. I'll make sure you get through th-this" he stutters and he lifts my hand up to his face, kissing every finger endearingly, then rests his cheek in my palm. I feel wetness under my hand: his tears. He's trembling. I hold back my sobs and begin to pray.
'Dear God, please help me. I don't want to die yet. John deserves a happy life, even if he thinks he doesn't. I want to be the one to give that to him, instead of him mourning me for the rest of his days. When I see my life flash before my eyes, I want to be able to relive all the happy memories I'll make with John and our children. Not a life of service, an almost marriage, and his sad face the last thing I see. I really do not want to die yet! Please.'
I pause and open my eyes to see John.
'I want to live, not only for myself but also for John. He deserves more.
In Jesus' name, Amen.'
I begin to feel a calmness and warmth alite within me. My shaking and tears cease with a stillness that takes over as the knowledge dawns on me that I can weather this storm: I'm no longer alone. God, along with Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore, Lady Mary, Lady Sybil, Gwen, Jane, and above all: John; they are with me now in my time of need.
A weariness overtakes me as my head continues to throb and I shut my eyes. I wipe away John's tears, then lace my fingers through his.
"John. I need to sleep... but please... be here when I wake." I whisper to him through my labored breaths.
"No one on this earth could make me leave you, my darling." he replied.
I smile and then fall into a deep but fitful sleep.