Chapter 5

Simon spent the rest of the day watching over River—he sometimes wondered if he would ever feel comfortable leaving her alone. Their lives, so unstable now, might suddenly move into utter chaos, and he did not feel he could afford not being on the alert if it happened. It was different at the hospital, where machines and assistants kept him constantly alert on the progress of his patients. Now he had only one, but he was the only one who could help her.

Simon dozed a little, letting his head rest on his chest in a manner he found uncomfortable upon waking. In his dreams he heard voices, calling out to him to come and join them, and when he woke he was not sure who he heard calling. From above he heard interesting noises: the constant sound of the engine, the trills of laughter occasionally, the deep rumble of voices telling long stories, the clinks and thumps of chairs and equipment shifting around. Then River woke, her eyes still blurry.

“Simon?” she asked, fearfully quiet.

“Everything’s all right,” he assured, holding her hand in his.

“Frightened,” she said. “Heard voices in the dark.”

“You had nightmares,” explained Simon, marking that she was finally acknowledging her troubles.

“Don’t want to sleep again,” she said, shivering a little. “Don’t want to let them in.”

“I know,” said Simon. “But you have to sleep—you have to sleep sometimes until I can help you get better, until I can help stop the nightmares.”

“How long will it take?” she asked, miserable and resigned.

Simon squeezed her hand. “Not long,” he lied, not knowing what else to say. “I—I have something for you.”

As he reached over for the package, River slowly sat up. “Shopping,” she said, a faint smile on her face.

“Yes,” said Simon, smiling. “I bought some things to keep you warm, and this.”

River took the package from him, brushing the brown paper with her fingertips. Then she slowly removed the paper to reveal the sweater. Simon waited, a little nervous as she said and revealed nothing. She held it u