My Bratty Wife

Suzy lay still on the bed. The remnants of the dream clung to her like a faint mist. Her brow was slightly furrowed, her breathing shallow. It had all happened so quickly. One moment she was reliving that terrifying memory, the next, a single word, "Doris," escaped her lips, and then, nothing. She had slipped into unconsciousness.

Ryan had been frantic. He’d paced the room, his heart pounding in his chest, after finally sending someone to call Dr. Abernathy. The doctor had arrived promptly, his black bag in hand, a look of concern on his face. He’d examined Suzy carefully, checking her pulse, her breathing, her reflexes.

"She had a shock in her sleep, she’s out of danger, Your Grace," Dr. Abernathy had said, after his examination. "She needs rest. Nothing more."

Ryan had let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. "Thank you, Doctor," he replied, relief washing over him.

"You’re welcome, Your Grace," Dr. Abernathy responded, a small, reassuring smile on his lips. He packed his instruments back into his bag. "Make sure she gets plenty of rest and fluids. If she doesn’t regain consciousness in the next few hours, or if her condition changes, please don’t hesitate to call me again."

"I will," Ryan promised, his eyes never leaving Suzy’s face.

Davis, who had been quietly observing from near the door, stepped forward. "I’ll see the doctor out, Your Grace," he said respectfully.

Ryan nodded absently, his attention completely focused on Suzy. He watched as Davis escorted Dr. Abernathy out of the room, the door closing softly behind them. The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by the soft rhythm of Suzy’s breathing.

Ryan pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down. He reached out and gently took Suzy’s hand in his. Her skin was cool to the touch, and he rubbed it gently between his fingers, trying to infuse some warmth back into it. He looked at her face, her delicate features softened in sleep. He brushed a stray strand of hair away from her forehead.