Broken Read Free Page B

and pants that had started to feel like they were
tightening around my thighs. Sweat was still pouring down my face like I had
just been working out. I found a towel in the bathroom and wiped my face and
neck while more sweat poured out. In the medicine-cabinet I found a thermometer
and took my temperature. One hundred-two point two degrees. No wonder I was
hot. I did have a fever and a pretty high one at that. I should be feeling weak
and tired instead of this incredible strength that I sensed rising in me,
causing me to want to go for a long run or do an intense work out. I stared at
my reflection in the mirror over the dresser. I even looked bigger than usual,
I thought. It wasn't just a feeling? Maybe the fever was causing me to be
delusional, but hadn’t my eyes changed, too? It was like they were glowing, the
blue in them on fire. Just like Jim had said. I shook my head and found some
pills in the bathroom-cabinet to kill the fever. It had to be the fever making
me see things. Could the fever make me feel strong and energized as well? Give
me a craving for running wild in the yard or through the nearby forest?
    I shook off the feeling and went to bed. My heart was
racing as I lay in the dark. I couldn't have any cover on me because of the
intense fever. The heat and racing heartbeat kept me awake. My body was
restless, agitated. I opened my eyes and to my surprise I could see.   I saw everything in the darkness just as
clear as if it were the middle of the day. I propped myself up on my elbows as
I studied the room closely. The light was definitely off but everything was
visible in this bluish light. I saw Heather's earrings on the dresser that she
had decided not to wear; I saw my own cufflinks in the bathroom through the
open door. Was it just because I knew they were there? Was my mind playing
tricks on me again like when I was attacked by the alligators and heard voices
and saw strange images?
    I put my head back on the pillow. It had to be the
fever. I couldn't even see the cufflinks from where I was lying if it had been
bright daylight. I felt everything pumping inside of me as I closed my eyes
again. I needed to get some sleep. I hadn't been able to sleep at night for
almost a month now. Instead I took those small naps in my office just to get by
during the day. Maybe that was what was finally catching up on me? Maybe it was
some sort of stress? My body saying "Stop I can't do it anymore."
    "You need to slow down," I whispered to
myself in the darkness. "It's not worth it. To die from stress-related
diseases before you turn forty and leave William without a loving father. It's
just not worth it."
    I heard a door slam and opened my eyes. Heather was in
the room. She swayed from side to side leaning on the dresser while taking off
her high-heeled shoes one by one. They both made a bump as they hit the floor.
    "What's not worth it?" she asked while
taking off her earrings concentrating on keeping her balance and not falling. I
studied her face and eyes that I could see perfectly in the darkness. Even the
smallest features were clear to me. Her make-up was a mess, the lipstick
smeared. I could smell the alcohol on her breath.
    "Nothing," I mumbled with a deep sigh.
    She took off her dress, nearly falling over with the
effort. "So why on earth did you leave the party so early?" she said.
    "Do you really care?" I asked.
    She laughed and almost tipped backwards. "No, I
guess I don't," she answered. She put on her negligee and threw herself on
the bed. "What happened to you anyway? You used to be so much fun."
    "I guess I grew up." I closed my eyes and
tried to remember the last time I had really enjoyed my life. Besides wonderful
moments with William there weren’t any recently.
    I opened my eyes and turned to look at her. It
startled her.
    "Oh my god!" she burst out. "What's with
your eyes? It's like they’re glowing in the dark!" Heather sat up and
stared at me. "Stop it Chris. It's freaking me out!"
    I didn't