“Sydney,” he says, his lips on my forehead as he speaks. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“I forgot to take my medication this morning,” I say, remembering the pills Dr. Guilder gave me. I lean on Mulberry more heavily, my vision pinpointing.
“Sydney.” Mulberry’s voice sounds panicky but I can’t answer, can’t reassure him. The darkness of unconsciousness takes me, enveloping me in its nothingness.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
How many times have I blacked out? Lost consciousness? Countless. I’ve been beaten, drugged, strangled, experienced all the ways that one can leave this plane of existence and slip away into that darkness where time and space do not exist. A kiss, though, that’s new. I’ve never been kissed into unconsciousness. It’s, so far, my favorite way to go; certainly beats being bludgeoned into it.
The headache when I wake isn’t nearly as severe either. Just a mild thrumming rather than the normal pounding. Dr. Guilder stands over me next to a very concerned looking Mulberry. “Sydney,” he says, relief washing over his features as I blink up at him. “Jesus, you scared the crap out of me.”
“You kissed me into unconsciousness,” I say with a lopsided smile.
He coughs a laugh and shakes his head. “Let’s not blame the kiss.”
Dr. Guilder gently moves Mulberry to the side and shines a pen light into my eyes. I shy away and turn right into Blue’s face. He’s lying on the bed next to me and swipes my nose with his tongue. I let out a short laugh, and turn back toward the doctor. She gently holds my chin and shines the light into my eyes. “Pupils are dilating,” she says. “I think you just fainted.”
“Yeah,” I agree, trying to sit up. But Dr. Guilder puts a strong hand on my shoulder.
“Please, just stay lying down for a moment.”
I roll my lips.
“Sydney,” Mulberry says, his tone warning. “Please, listen to the doctor.”
“Fine.” I rest back onto the pillows. We are in my room. The shades are up and light pours in. I don’t think I lost much time at all. “I’m fine,” I say. “Just forgot to take the meds you gave me this morning.”
“I’d like you to spend the rest of the day in bed,” Dr. Guilder says. “No strenuous activity,” she continues. “Or kissing.”
Mulberry’s cheeks pink and I can’t help the smile that crests my lips. “Okay,” I agree.
“I want you to take your medication now, where is it?”
“In the bathroom, I think.”
Mulberry goes to find it.
“Your blood pressure is out of control, Sydney. I need you to stay in bed, I mean it.”
“I thought bed rest was kind of bullshit,” I say.
“Did you get your medical degree on Google, or was it Yahoo?” she asks with a totally straight face.
I laugh. “Google,” I admit.
She smiles. “I will agree that bed rest has been over-prescribed, but in this case I really think it’s important for you to take it easy right now. Your body is sending pretty clear signals that you need to slow down.”
“Yeah, well, the planet is sending clear signals we need to stop polluting it and we’re not doing that.”
Dr. Guilder’s brow creases. “Did you get your degree in climate science at the same institution as your medical degree?”
I chuckle again. “You don’t need to be a scientist to believe in climate change.”
“Ah,” she says, as if I’ve proven her point. “So then you don’t need a medical degree to accept my medical advice.”
“Touché.”
Mulberry returns with the meds and a glass of water. I sit up to take them and then settle back onto the pillows. “I’ll leave you,” Dr. Guilder says. “Call me if you need me. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” I say.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Mulberry says.
He walks her out and Frank quickly takes their place at my side, his tongue out and smile goofy. “I’m fine,” I tell him. Nila pushes up next to her brother and I reassure her with some pets as well.
When Mulberry comes back he cocks his head. “Any room in that king-size bed for me?” Blue settles his head on my shoulder as if to claim his spot. Mulberry laughs. “I’m thinking movies and eating all our meals in bed. Sound good?”
“Yeah,” I say. “It does.”
“Pickles and ice cream for dessert?” he teases.
“I haven’t really had any strange cravings.”
“No?” Mulberry asks. “Want anything now? Did you have breakfast?”
I shake my head. “Just coffee.”
