Anthology of Ichor III: Gears of Damnation Read Online Free Page B

fingers; her joints moved smoothly without soreness; she sat up-without pain. Her arthritis had vanished. The strange blue potion worked. She burst into tears. This was the first time in years that she was able to move without some part of her clinching up in pain.
    Peter came running. “Stella. What’s wrong?”
    She stepped out of bed and amazed Peter.
    “ Look at you. Look at you…”
    Stella jumped up and down and danced around the room in her pajamas, crying and laughing. She ran to Peter and hugged him in joy. It was Peter’s turn to cry as he held her tight against his chest.
    “ I’m happy for you.” Peter whispered.
    Stella sighed, “This has been hard for you, hasn’t it? I’m sorry. You’ve been there for me, through all of the hard times. Thank you.”
    Peter kissed her on her cheek and said, “In sickness and in health--I promised and I meant it. I love you.”
    Stella leaned into him, breathing in his musky smell. They hadn’t had sex for a long time, over ten months, because of her pain. She moved her hand down his leg. “I can think of a way to celebrate.”
    Peters’ eyes widened. “Will we remember how?” he joked.
    Stella laughed, “I doubt that will be a problem.” She pushed him onto the bed. “Mr. McRoy, I think you are going to be late for work.”
    He held her face in his hands, “Oh God, I missed you so much.” He pushed his hands through the curls of her auburn hair. He traced the fullness of her lips with his fingers, and looked into her large, liquid brown eyes. “You are beautiful,” Peter murmured as he kissed her neck.
    They made love, passionately, then again, soft and slow. Afterwards, as they held each other, Stella sighed, “I’m happy--I forgot what it feels like to be happy.”
    Peter dressed, and said, “I do need to work today, but let’s go out tonight and celebrate. How about the nice French place you like so well?”
    Stella lay back on the pillow, admiring his lithe, thin body, and the way his black hair grayed at the temples. “Wonderful, I’ll make reservations.”
    She grabbed his arms and kissed him as he left. “Don’t be late,” she teased.
    In high spirits, Stella moved about the house, jumping, stretching, and doing pirouettes. It felt like a miracle. She had her life back. She decided to call the Wellness Center and share the good news.
    “ Hello, this is Stella McRoy. May I speak with Dr. Evans?” She hummed to herself while she waited.
    “ Hello, Stella? I hope nothing is wrong?” Dr. Evans worried voice came on the line.
    “ Dr. Evans? I woke up this morning pain free. I can’t believe it.”
    “ That is wonderful news. That is just amazing. No side effects?”
    “ No, none at all, I just want to thank you and the Health Center…” she began, but her voice broke and she couldn’t finish.
    “ Oh, Stella, please, don’t thank us. We should thank you for allowing us to help you. You are blazing a trail for other patients by being the first person in the states to try the extract.” Dr. Evans wished her well, and said she would see her next week.
    Once she hung up, Stella didn’t know what to do with herself. With her disease, it took all day to accomplish the small tasks of daily living, feeding herself, laundry, moving from one room to another. Her routines and paths through the house were set like train tracks. Every task required planning and forethought. Now, she was free from those limitations—free from the walker, free from the pain - what should she do? A walk along the river? A surprise visit to her friend Nadine?
    Then Stella clapped her hands. Of course! She would shop for an attractive new dress for their dinner date tonight, pretty shoes and maybe some lingerie.
    She giggled to herself as she thought about buying a whole new wardrobe, one without the snaps or elastic that she was forced to wear because of her arthritic fingers. She stood up to get her jacket.
    Stella’s head exploded, and the room spun around.