Ten

CHIARA

GIDEON does not lie. There is a warm, cozy fire blazing in the elegant fireplace in his spacious living room where huge rugs scatter on the wooden floor that gives it a homey feel.

I lead him towards the biggest couch that happens to be nearest the fireplace, and after settling him down there, I asked him where I can get a blanket and medicine for him.

“There’s a blanket inside that door. It’s the den. I sometimes fall asleep there when working during the night and—”

“I’ll get it. It’s not locked, right?”

He shakes his head. My goodness, he is shivering all over now!

I hasten as fast as I can. I see several blankets folded neatly inside a huge cabinet that has several throw pillows in there, too. I bring a thick blanket and a pillow with me and I go back to the living room.

“Are you alone here?” I ask as I put the pillow under his head and the blanket over him after helping him lie down. He clutches at it right away to his chest. “There must be servants?”

“She just went home be