Hold Back The River

His promises have her head nodding weakly, beseeching eyes peering up at him as they swim with tears. As worried as Andy is, his gentle, loving presence has been enough to ground her and the girl believes she will be fine because he says so. The water stays down and she apologizes to him which has him reassuring her and brushing the fur around her eyes. Exhaustion tugs her eyelids downward as he speaks of making tea and the lavender girl nods her agreement before sinking deeply into the furs of her bed.

Time passes as she slips underneath the current of fitful slumber, her body twitching wildly as the fever darkens her dreams. Soon, her father returns, gently rousing her into wakefulness and Andy lifts her head, sniffing at the offered herbal concoction a moment before looking up at her father. Pale blue eyes search his brilliant blue gaze for a moment before the girl lowers her gaze and tentatively laps at the warm liquid. It does not agitate her throat and the coughs are not triggered which the girl thinks is a small miracle. Taking it slowly, she is able to take down a good portion of the drink before she is forced to lean back and rest.

A weary smile crosses her lips as the herbs work their magic, soothing the deep ache in throat and suppressing the cough for the time being. With a small sigh, Andy leans toward her father and whispers, “Tell me a story… please?” His voice is soothing to her and, when the fever dreams get to be too much, she can use it to guide herself out.


"Andromeda Fatalis"