It's just a small update but I thought everyone would enjoy!
Martin woke up more than four hours later and managed to get up long enough to go to the bathroom and take some more medicine before crawling back into bed next to Ruthie, who was still sleeping.
She was lying on her side facing him and a few curls were sticking to her cheek, which was unnaturally rosy and covered with a light sheen of sweat. Martin reached out and brushed them away before reaching around her to get her more medicine.
"Ruth. Ruthie. Wake up. You need to take this." Martin said, his voice no louder than a whisper as he rubbed his finger over her cheek.
"Hmmmm…" Ruthie murmured as her eyes fluttered open then closed then open again as she took the medicine he offered before closing again.
Martin put the medicine back on the table then laid back down facing Ruthie. She seemed to have instantly fallen back asleep and he couldn't help but smile at how innocent she looked at the moment.
Ever since he had moved in with the Camden's and become friends with Ruthie he had felt an urge to protect her and make sure no one hurt her. And now watching her sleep he was reminded of just how fragile and vulnerable she could be.
Over the years he had realized that Ruthie was actually exceptionally capable of taking care of herself in most situations but that had never diminished his need to be there for her and watch out for her.
Most of time she merely tolerated his interference, only choosing to really put her foot down when she thought he was absolutely out of line or when she had already adamantly insisted that he stay out of her business.
But every once in a while she would surprise him by asking for his help. Sometimes he thought she only did so because she knew he would probably involve himself anyway. And at least if she asked it would be on her terms.
Yet there were a few precious times when she had come to him, all defenses down, simply needing him to fix whatever was broken in her life or in her. Needing him to protect her from the world and its indifference.
Looking at her now as she slept, so trusting, made him more determined than ever to take care of her. And no matter how much she argued otherwise sometimes, deep down he was sure she was happy knowing he would always be there for her.
At that moment he felt the medicine begin to take effect as he was overcome by a wave of drowsiness. So instead of fighting to stay awake any longer he closed his eyes and gave in to the floating sensation.