Fingers on his cheek. 

He’s very cold.

It’s bright.

Thandi… she is holding him. 

“Oh,” he says. “You need…” His throat is tight. “To go inside… it’s raining… Don’t catch a cold, now.”

Why is her face so far away? Why is it so hard to lift his head?

She’s crying. Oh, no. 

“My love… it’s okay… kiss me. It will make it better.”

She leans down and her lips press to his. So soft and so painless. Amazing. It warms him somewhat. It feels like someone is laughing. He reaches up to touch Thandi’s cheek, insisting on more. More! More kisses!

The rain is gone. 

Thandi hugs and kisses him. “You idiot! I thought you were going to die!”

“Was I? Would you like me to resume?”

“Noo! Charlie! No! I don’t want you to die!”

“I could manage with a few more kisses, dearest.”

And he gets them, from a laughing, crying Thandi who holds him tight in her arms.