Chapter 29 - Jim

WAKING UP WITH ALYSON IN MY ARMS IS THE BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. THE SUN IS SETTING, AND we’ve both been asleep for hours. Alyson is still asleep, snoring slightly through her stuffy nose. I brush loose strands of her hair back from her face and kiss her softly.

Slowly, I get up and use the bathroom, then climb back into bed with Alyson. In her sleep, she rolls over and wraps her arm around me. I hold her close, never wanting to let go.

Then she starts coughing, waking herself up. Groaning, she sits up and reaches for the glass of water, but hesitates. I smile, remembering her saying she won’t drink out of a glass that’s been sitting unattended.

“I’ll get you a fresh glass,” I offer and get out of bed. I go into the kitchen, Neville winding around my feet the whole way, and get a clean glass from the cabinet.

“Thanks,” Alyson says when I get back, taking the water from me. “How are you feeling?”

“I think a little better. I don’t have a heada