A Prescription for Love Read Free

with his fingers. She opened her eyes and he noticed her difficulty breathing. In fact, she fought for every breath she took.
    “Are you choking?”
    She shook her head. “Can’t . . . catch my breath.” She panted the words.
    Michael held her upright, then pulled her hands high over her head. “Keeping your arms up will help open your airways. Also, try to calm yourself.”
    After a minute, her breathing seemed to ease a bit. Michael took a deep breath himself. “Isn’t Mrs. Wilson’s house about three more blocks?”
    Still gasping, she nodded.
    “All right. I don’t want to leave you here while I fetch my buggy, so we’ll slowly walk the rest of the way.”
    Michael removed her scarf from her neck, then wound the plaid wool loosely around the lower part of her face, covering her mouth and nose. He slid his arm around her shoulders and they started off.
    “How long have you had this condition?” he asked.
    When she attempted to reply, Michael stopped her. “Never mind, I’m sorry. You shouldn’t speak while you’re walking. We can talk later.”

    Michael encouraged her to take slower steps until they arrived at her front door. “I’ll see you inside.”
    Heidi pushed on the doorbell. From the glow of the streetlight, her face still lacked any color, and although slightly improved, her breathing remained labored.
    “Mr. Henderson, what brings you to my door?” Mrs. Wilson glanced from him to Heidi. “Oh dear, Miss Lester, what’s wrong? You look dreadful.”
    “May we come in, Mrs. Wilson?” Michael edged Heidi forward to move her out of the night air.
    “Of course, I’m sorry, please do come in.” The older woman, her silver braids tightly wound on her head, stepped back. She frowned at the condition of her boarder as she quickly closed the door and directed them to the parlor, overstuffed with furniture and knickknacks. Michael escorted Heidi to a sofa and settled her. “Mrs. Wilson, can you fetch me a pan of steaming water and a towel?”
    The woman hurried off and Michael sat next to Heidi and took her hand. “There is a treatment I can do to help your breathing.” He helped her off with her coat, hat, and scarf. Her color stayed pale and she continued to struggle to breathe, but the frantic expression on her face had eased. “Take short, panting breaths, and keep calm.” He rubbed circles on her back.
    After a while, Mrs. Wilson returned with the pan of water, a towel draped over her arm. “Where should I place this?”
    Michael dragged over an end table in front of Heidi. “Right here.”
    “Miss Lester, I want you to hold your face over the water. I’ll tent the towel over your head to hold the steam in. At first you’ll feel uncomfortable, as if it’s harder to breathe, but then your lungs will open and you’ll start to improve.” He eased her head over the pan and made a tent with the towel.

    At first she fought and gasped, but Michael continued to rub her back until she relaxed and her struggle lessened. After several minutes, he pulled the towel away and she raised her head. Sweat beaded her face and the dark circles under her eyes highlighted the paleness of her skin. She smiled slightly, then leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes.
    Mrs. Wilson frowned at Heidi and turned to Michael. “Will she be all right?”
    “I’m not a doctor, but I’ve had a lot of experience with asthma. Since she’s relaxed and out of the evening air, she should be fine.”
    Michael’s gaze moved back to Heidi. A lone tear tracked down her cheek. He then addressed Mrs. Wilson. “Can I speak with Miss Lester privately for a moment?”
    “Yes, of course. I’ll be in the kitchen.” She patted Heidi’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine now, dear. If you need help getting ready for bed, let me know.”
    Heidi nodded and glanced sideways at Michael.
    He handed her the towel to dry her face, then rose and shoved his hands in his pocket and jingled the change there.
    Miss Lester stared