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under the tap. Running the damp cloth over her head brought her hair under control and back to normal. She made quick work of brushing her teeth and getting dressed in her normal attire of jeans and t-shirt. She was halfway out the door when she ran back and put on some lipstick and brushed on mascara.
    “You’re an idiot, Marla Jones, like he’s even going to notice,” she told her reflection.
    When she went back downstairs, the sound of running water told her Karlo had found the bathroom. Good, she didn’t have to worry about bedpans and other unpleasant grossness. She got the coffee started and then pulled some bacon and eggs from the refrigerator. When the bacon started to crisp up, she popped the bread in the toaster. She had this well timed, as the bacon sat on a paper towel to soak up the excess fat, the eggs fried in a little leftover drippings, and she buttered the toast. Two minutes later she had two bacon and fried egg sandwiches. She put them both on a plate and added it to the tray she was preparing.
    She’d purchased the tray when her grandfather lost more of his mobility. It had recessed cup holders for coffee and juice along with pockets on the sides for napkins, utensils, and even the morning paper. Today she had added a few magazines so Karlo wouldn’t be completely bored while she finished her morning rounds. She’d have to get on that soon—animals couldn’t wait.
    Pushing the door open with her hip, she saw Karlo had returned to the bed.
    “I brought you some breakfast. I have to go and see to the animals, so I’m leaving you with some stuff to read and the remote for the TV is in the nightstand,” she said.
    “You should not be working so hard,” he said, lifting up the blanket and intending to get out of bed to help her.
    Marla put the tray over his lap and then her hand on his shoulder.
    “I’ve been taking care of this land by myself for over a year now. I can tell you’re in pain. You have to stay in bed until you’ve completely recovered. I don’t want you to have a relapse,” she said, pulling her hand back.
    It would bury her in guilt if he got up and tried to help her when he was obviously hurt.
    Karlo caught her hand as she stepped back, rubbing his thumb over the back.
    “I came to help you. Remember, you’re not on your own now. I’m here.”
    “I know,” she smiled, “and I will appreciate having your help. Right now, though, you really aren’t in any shape to help. I can’t do my work and look out for you at the same time. So stay in bed, okay?”
    “Okay. I’ll stay in bed for now. Tomorrow you can show me how to help you.”
    Marla smiled and nodded without saying anything. She left the room to get to work. She was already taking advantage of him. She would make sure he got all the rest he needed; it was the least she could do. If he needed to stay in bed, she’d find some way to keep him there.
    Karlo watched as Marla left the room. As he started eating the food she brought him, he considered how soon he could convince her to let him help her. He decided to get up and do some stretching after he ate. He was determined not to be a burden. Tomorrow he’d do his share of the work. For today, he did what he could to help by resting the way she wanted him to. Just walking to the bathroom, slowly, holding on to the wall all the way there and back, tired him out. He ended up falling asleep.
    A pattern was set from that first day. Marla would wake him up with the scents of food cooking in the kitchen. Then she would bring him a tray and sit with him for a few minutes before going back to work. He would make his way to the bathroom and perform some stretches. Then, tired from the exertion and full of good food, he would fall asleep again.

Chapter Three

     
    The next morning, dawn was just breaking when Karlo woke up again. His headache was finally gone and even the aches and muscle spasms he’d been experiencing had stopped. He wouldn’t let Marla keep him in