Khaat opened her eyes and saw bright sunlight streaming through the large windows. It was oddly silent and peaceful now here. She didn’t even really notice the signs of business going on as usual at St. Mungos. It faded back into the background as a part of her normal daily life. Her pain potions had worn off and she hurt—immensely. It did appear, though, that she had survived. Another day had finally come. It felt like grace. A gift. There was a freshness to the morning sun that seemed to help clear away the ugliness. And here in the silence, it seemed life might begin again. She looked around her and saw roses everywhere she looked. Every color, at every place her eyes went. Brian. She was sure. He’d gone and bought a whole bloody flower shop.
She hadn’t been awake more than a few moments when her father came in. He’d changed too, and had a grey suit today rather than his black one. Another sign life had moved forward. He was carrying two cups of French Roast. He put them on the nightstand and then kissed Khaat’s forehead.
“Good morning, my darling,” he said softly. He laid his hand on her forehead and paused it there, checking her. “You are better than you were. A good deal. Here. Let’s stop the pain.” He drew off the pain and began checking her wounds and her fractures. “Your fingers are healed. The bruises will take awhile to fade, but they’re better.” He took the splints off her fingers. He wrapped his hands in hers to draw off some of the muscle soreness and to renew the healing spell that he had placed on her fingers to help speed healing. “These will take some time yet, maybe another day. But the rest of your fractures are healing nicely. At least you know how to behave. ‘Can’t say so much for your boy across the hall.”
“I know,” she sighed. “He’s having a hard time, isn’t he?”
“He’ll be fine, Khaat. He really needed some sleep.”
“You sedated him, didn’t you?”
“I certainly did. Oh, and he’s not going to be happy with me, but I took custody of him again. I realize he’s an adult but until his mind starts firing again fully and moves out of trauma-gear, I can’t have him making irresponsible decisions right now. You have full custody of Eli, even though he is an adult. He doesn’t know yet.”
“Don’t tell him,” Khaat sighed. “When the time is right, I will.”
“Agreed. “
“Can I have one of those cups of coffee, or are you just going to tease me with the smell?”
“Oh. Here. Almost forgot. You should be able to manage this yourself now if you use both hands.” He carefully put the mug in her hands and made sure she was able to hold the mug without spilling the hot coffee on herself. She felt the warmth in her hands and took a deep smell of the dark rich aroma of the coffee. It brought tears to her eyes. She had never expected to smell this again or taste it again. It was the first thing she’d had since she’d been back that had seemed to matter to her. A couple of small tears fell.
“You’re entitled,” Robert said softly, catching her tears on his finger.
“I never dreamed I’d smell this ever again. And Remus was late, the slacker,” she said softly, staring down into her coffee.
“He probably didn’t come because you hadn’t chosen to cross. Not really,” Robert said. “If you had truly crossed, he’d have been there. Khaat, it just wasn’t your time. Not yet. And you were absolutely not going to give in to Barker. I know you. You were not ever going to leave Eli there by himself. No matter what.”
She swallowed hard, determine not to let the rawness of that hit her heart. That hurt beyond anything Barker had done to her. There was a pause in the silence as she fought hard to try to keep the tears at bay. She wasn’t sure if they started this time that they would ever stop. The guilt she felt was overwhelming. She felt that perhaps if she had done something different, fought harder, withstood Barker’s methods against her body a bit better somehow, that perhaps Eli would have somehow been able to cope. If she had not become so fragile and weak in Barker’s hands….
The tears fell freely now. The guilt unleashed itself from its prison within her. Her father took the coffee from her hands and set it aside. He wrapped her close in his arms and held her. “This is not your fault. Not at all. You could not have made one bit of difference in what happened to Eli. Put the responsibility where it belongs—on Barker. Stop. Just stop.” She curled into her father’ neck and just let him hold her. He brushed away her tears and brushed the hair away from her face.
“Here,” he said softly. “Try this. Let’s try to refocus a bit.” He picked up the cup and put it back in her hands and helped her take a sip of the delicious fresh hot coffee. The warmth and the dark rich nutty flavor filled her mouth, the aroma filling her senses. It stopped everything in her mind. Made her stop completely. It almost stunned her with the shock to her senses. “It’s okay to enjoy,” he said gently. She nodded, overwhelmed. “Would you like me to go so you can enjoy it?” he asked. The fear of him leaving clutched hard around her heart, and she clutched just as tightly to his hand. “Hey,” he said, “I’m here. I’ll stay. You’re alright.” He sat down on the edge of her bed and picked up his own mug, and took a sip of it. He had no intention of leaving her while she was struggling to reel in all that was trying to force its way free. This was no time to leave her alone.
There was a knock on the door, and Brian came in, carrying a large white plastic sack of takeout food. “Everything alright?” he asked, instantly concerned.
“We’re fine,” Robert said. “It’s just a lot to adjust to.”
“Well, I brought breakfast. Lizzie sent an amazing spread. I think she’s outdone herself.”
“That’s just what she needs,” Robert said. Brian put the bag down on the overbed table and took out two large takeout containers. He opened one for Khaat. It had an individual soufflé with four cheeses and bacon. Along with the soufflé was one of her favorite fresh fruit salads, and a scone with candied orange peel and cinnamon. To her, it looked like a feast. He handed her a fork. “If you need help, I’ll help you,” Robert told her. “But try. See what you can do by yourself.”
“Before you do,” Brian said. “Just one minute.” He reached in his pocket and drew out her ring. Her beautiful diamond and emerald ring. “Here. This belongs with you.” He very gently slid the ring back onto her left hand.
“You still want me?” she asked softly.
“You know I do,” he kissed her slowly. “You know that isn’t going to change. Not ever. You know me better than that. I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.” She nodded, as he nuzzled her lovingly. “Now, can I join you for breakfast, my love?”
“Please,” she said.
“You two enjoy your breakfast, and I’ll bring you some coffee, Brian,” Robert said. He looked at Khaat. “I’ll be back after you eat. Take your time and enjoy it. Don’t let her get too serious, Brian.”
“No. I won’t,” Brian said, smiling, as Robert kissed Khaat on the cheek and left. Brian helped her with breakfast and then opened up the closet. He drew out a brand new, beautiful nightgown. One he’d chosen. It was lightweight white flannel, trimmed with lace and with pink satin ribbons. It was every bit as elegant as one of her silk ones at home. He helped her wash up and refresh herself and dress in her own new gown. He conjured a sofa in front of the window so she could see the snow and covered it with pillows to pamper all the injuries she had. He gently levitated her over to the sofa and covered her with a new warm, thick white velvet comforter. He refilled her coffee and put it on the table beside her. “Can I get you anything else?” he asked.
“Yes. You,” she said. “Come sit with me. There’s plenty of room.” He went over and very gently sat with her on the sofa, sharing her pillows with her, and stretching his long legs out beside hers.
“Better?”
“Not yet,” she said. “Your arm isn’t around me.”
“Oh. Ok.” He laughed. He wrapped his arm around her, and she curled into him as comfortably as she could. “Now?”
“Yes. Now, you’re staying all day, aren’t’ you?”
“Should I?”
“Yes.”“Then I’m all yours,” he said.
by 
