Shandi filled her day with stable chores and painting classes. She had branched out and started a watercolor class, knowing that those who were marginally interested might have an easier time in using watercolors. She tried not to think about Rob and Mariane but every once in a while she would catch herself looking at the door and wondering if Rob was going to walk in and attend class as she always did but she did not. Milo was at dinner but he only stayed long enough to grab something to eat and disappeared again. Shandi curbed her craving to ask after them and retired to her room, saying a prayer for them.
A light knock awoke her from a sound sleep in the early morning hours and she pulled her robe shut as she opened the door to Milo. His sunken eyes and nearly slurred speech told her how exhausted he was. "Milo." She allowed him in, guiding him over to her bed and fetching a cold washcloth, wiping his face clean. "Are you okay?"
"She's almost dead."
"Rob?"
"No, Mariane. Rob's staying with her but she won't let anyone else take over." Milo took a deep breath, his eyelids sinking lower as the last of his strength waned. "She's so tired ... "
"I'll go help her, Milo. You stay here, okay?"
"She won't let you."
"I'll make her." Shandi tossed her robe aside and pulled a pair of jeans on over her pajama bottoms. "Now, take off your shoes and get some sleep. I'll come get you in a few hours, okay?"
"Okay."
With Milo snoring soundly in her bed, Shandi headed up to Rob's room, knowing that the woman would want to have Mariane close, especially if she was in bad shape. She found Rob sitting on the edge of the bed, her face streaked with tears and her movements slow and sluggish.
"Go to bed."
"No. I can't. She might die."
