CHAPTER 27

Simon slept peacefully for almost an hour before he was awakened by a nightmare. He shot up in bed, sobbing and sweating and clinging to me. I wrapped my arms around him, rubbing his back.

"Shh… I've got you Simon."

After a few minutes, he pulled away from me, obviously embarrassed.

"Hey, it's all right to be freaked out." I kissed his forehead. "Bless your heart." I handed him the water and the pill. "This will help."

He took it gratefully, popping the pill in his mouth and downing the water in just a couple of gulps.

I stayed with Simon for about five hours. I was asleep for most of that time, though. Simon was still deep in his drug-induced sleep when I woke up. I got out of bed and kissed him lightly. I went downstairs and headed toward the door. As I passed the couch, I noticed Jackson and Brenda making out