My Black Inheritance

24

I woke up feeling very hot and sweaty, with a headache and body aches. I also had chills and was feeling very exhausted. My throat was sore and I felt very weak.

Opening my eyes, I realised that Max wasn't by my side like I really wished he was when I woke up today. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but I knew he was probably just out getting breakfast.

I heard a squeaking sound and I knew it came from Romeo, my pet squirrel who had jumped onto my bed. He was looking at me with his big, round eyes, as if he knew something was wrong.

He came closer to me and curled up against my chest, as if he was trying to make me feel better. I couldn't help but smile, and I knew that even if Max wasn't with me, I had Romeo to comfort me.

Wait. Wasn't the cage locked? I was confused and a little worried. How did he get out?

I looked back and noticed that the door to the cage was slightly open.

"Hey, hey, don't move," A voice called out from behind me.

I froze, my heart racing as my eyes darted around, desperately trying to find the source of the voice. I could see a silhouette of a figure standing in the doorway, and I knew it was Max.

He had a tray of food in his hands, and he slowly stepped closer to me, his face full of concern. "I heard you calling out my name, and I came as soon as I could," he said softly, placing the tray on the bedside table.

He then sat down beside me and carefully placed his hand on my forehead, his touch sending a wave of calmness through me.

His touch was cold, but it felt so soothing against my heated skin. The coolness of his hand was a welcome relief to my aching body, and I couldn't help but relax as he continued to caress my forehead.

I closed my eyes, grateful for his presence and comfort, and I knew that with Max by my side, I could face anything.

"You have a fever," Max said, his voice full of worry. He gently reached for the thermometer on the bedside table and took my temperature.

He then placed his hand on my forehead again, feeling for any feverishness. "It looks like your temperature is a bit high," he said gently, his eyes filled with concern.

"Maybe I shouldn't have worn a dress yesterday?" I tease with a hoarse voice.

Max smiled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I think it was a good choice," he said, gently brushing away a strand of my hair. "It really suited you."

I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I looked away from his gaze, my heart fluttering wildly in my chest.

"What's wrong?" Max asked worriedly, unaware of his effect on me.

"It's nothing," I said, trying to sound composed even though my heart was still pounding. "It's just a fever, that's all."

His eyes squinted as he tried to read my expression, trying to see if there was any other underlying cause for my discomfort.

He didn't say anything, but I could tell he wasn't convinced. He continued to look at me, as if he was trying to figure out what was really going on.

I wanted to tell him the truth, that I was feeling so many different emotions, but I couldn't find the words to explain. I just wanted to be in his arms, to feel the warmth and security of his embrace, and to know that he was there with me.

Max then stood up and walked over to the tray he had set down earlier. He carefully opened the lid, revealing a selection of freshly cooked food.

"I thought you might be hungry," he said, offering me the tray.