Day 19 – Curled Up with a Pet

Things had been quiet enough for Moffitt to rest and get some reading done while he recovered from a chest cold acquired from his neglect of a jacket the day before. At least with this particular illness, he wasn't very feverish, which made concentrating on reading much easier. There was a light snowfall outside, and a cup of hot tea on the table next to the couch. He was confident he could kick this cold quickly.

The silence was shattered by the sound of the vacuum cleaner turning on.

Moffitt let out a heavy sigh, and sat up to see Anah had wrapped herself around the handle of the vacuum cleaner, and was riding it through the room, pushing it telekinetically. "Anah? Anah!" Moffitt broke off coughing hard.

The vacuum turned off, and the cobra looked over at him. "Are you alright, dear?" she asked.

"In a moment—" Moffitt kept coughing, then waited, trying to breathe. "Anah, why are you vacuuming when you know I'm trying to get some rest?"

"Vanora asked me to make sure some cleaning was done while she is at work."

"Right. It's not going to hurt if you wait a few days to vacuum."

"I have already started, though."

Moffitt sighed again. "Fine. Finish, but then I want quiet."

The vacuum turned on again, and Anah continued her ride around the room, passing right by Moffitt on the couch. He was covering his ears, and cursing to himself that everything was perfectly fine before Anah went and turned the blasted vacuum on.

When silence finally returned to the room, Moffitt found it hard to get back into his book. Anah put the vacuum cleaner away, then slithered in the sitting room. She climbed up onto the table. "Would you like me to get you anything, dear?" she asked.

"Make my ears stop ringing, please. That was extremely rude and you know it."

Anah didn't respond at first. She looked down at the table, then back over at Moffitt. "I… I apologize, dear. I was only trying to make things easier for Vanora by doing some chores."

Moffitt had known Anah for long enough to know that she was genuine when it came to helping. She wasn't trying to be disruptive. He adjusted himself on the couch, coughed a little, and faced the cobra. "Apology accepted, Anah. I'm sorry for getting upset." He glanced around. "Is there anything else you need to do?"

"No. Laundry is finished. Vacuuming is finished. Dishes are put away. I even dusted."

"Vanora will be very happy with you."

"That is what I was hoping for."

Moffitt closed his book before sitting up. The movement thrust him into another coughing fit. When he managed to breathe again, he set his book on the table, picked up his tea, and took a sip. The hot, honey-sweetened liquid soothed his sore, dry throat. "You do a lot to help us, Anah," Moffitt said, his voice clearly, albeit temporarily. "What would you like?"

"Me? Dear, you are ill."

"It doesn't have to be something complicated. What would make you happy?"

Anah's gaze shifted away from Moffitt, her expression becoming one of embarrassment. "Anything?"

"Anything." Moffitt set his mug of tea back on the table.

Anah hesitated, then crawled from the table to the couch. She climbed up Moffitt, and slithered into his bathrobe, turning around inside and poking her head out to rest it at the top of his sternum. There was still a somewhat embarrassed look on her face, but she said, softly, "I… would like to just cuddle with you. If… If that is alright."

"If that is what would make you happy."

"It… would."

"Alright." Moffitt lay back down, gently hugging the snake burrowed in his robe. He stroked the top of Anah's head, and felt her body relax as she gave a sigh of contentment. She shifted a little, getting as comfortable as she could possibly be. Part of her body was curled up on Moffitt's stomach, but Anah was light enough to not cause any uncomfortable pressure. She was completely still apart from her breathing, looking to be in utter bliss.

Moffitt smiled, but a sudden tickle in his throat prompted him to cough. Anah didn't move as Moffitt partly sat up to take another sip of tea. When he set his cup back down, Moffitt rested his head back on the pillow, resuming his snuggle with Anah. He felt her nuzzle his hand as he stroked her, and smirked when he began scratching under her chin. "That's what you wanted, right?" he whispered.

Anah didn't respond, not verbally. She kept her head on Moffitt's hand, thoroughly enjoying this.

This is comforting to her, Moffitt thought. Anah was being kept warm and safe, with someone she loved. She was enveloped in the lingering scent of his soap, though it was mixed with the vapor rub Vanora had put on his chest several hours ago. The only sound she could hear was his heartbeat, and the struggling of his lungs didn't seem to bother her. Every touch was gentle and loving. Anah had never said so directly, but Moffitt had learned that scratching under her chin was her favorite. It wasn't hard to figure out, given that she had a habit of "asking" by resting her head on his hand.

Moffitt started nodding off. He ensured Anah was comfortable before closing his eyes, hoping for a peaceful sleep uninterrupted by fits of coughing.

Fortunately, his sleep was restful, and he awoke to the savory scent of broth being prepared in the kitchen. Looking down, Moffitt found that Anah was still asleep. He didn't want to wake her, and kept quiet, even when Vanora entered the room with a bowl of freshly made chicken broth.

"You're awake," she said. "You were fast asleep when I came home."

Moffitt made a shushing gesture, and motioned to Anah. "I can wait to have something to eat," he whispered.

"Are you sure? I don't think you've had much today."

"Just until she wakes up. I'll be alright."

Vanora seemed hesitant until Moffitt lifted the blanket to reveal the sleeping, snoring cobra. "Oh, alright. Just because she looks adorable." She brought the bowl of broth back to the kitchen, then returned to the sitting room to take Moffitt's cup of cold tea. "I really appreciate Anah doing all those chores today."

Moffitt nodded, continuing to speak as quietly as possible. "She deserves a bit of rest, too."

"She does go above and beyond for us, especially for you." Vanora touched Moffitt's forehead. "You're a bit warm, but not feverish. How's your cough?"

"Well, you may have jinxed it, but I haven't coughed since before my nap."

"Good. How are you feeling overall?"

"Getting better. Tired, though." Moffitt glanced down at Anah. "I will let you know when she wakes up."

"That may not be for hours. You need to eat a little something."

"I highly doubt it'll be all night. Besides, I don't want to cut this short for Anah. I'm willing to wait."

"Alright. If you insist." Vanora kissed Moffitt's forehead, then left the room.

Moffitt settled back down on the pillow. So far, Anah hadn't roused, and he wasn't going to make her. He would let her sleep as long as she wanted.