Daniel was sitting on the side of the bed rubbing his eyes when Emma entered his hospital room. “Oh, Emma!” he called out, getting to his feet and then immediately sitting back on the bed.

“You okay?” Emma said, hurrying to him.

“I’m so happy to see you,” Daniel said, “but maybe a little wozzy. I had this weird dream.”

He started to stand again, but Emma pushed him back and sat beside him.

“So tell me about your weird dream.”

“Probably the meds,” Daniel said. “I dreamed I was outside in the middle of nowhere with my walker, wearing this silly gown and those silly pink slippers.” He pointed to the footwear which sat upon a chair. “And I nearly tripped over this mushroom. It was growing out of some rocks, and I thought maybe I should pick it so it wouldn’t be a hazard for anyone else who came along, not that there was anyone anywhere around to come along. It was just me. And when I started to bend over to pick the mushroom, I woke up. You know, it probably wasn’t the meds; it was probably the mushroom soup they keep feeding me.”

“Or maybe it’s all the pictures and paintings of mushrooms down off the main lobby,” Emma said. “Also there’s a nice one decorating your wall. Perks of a private room, no doubt.”

“There is?” Daniel squinched his eyes. “Pictures and paintings of mushrooms?”

“Yeah,” said Emma. “Tons of them. This place might be suffering from mushroomitis.”

“I guess that could explain it, whatever it is,” Daniel said. “I should take a look at these paintings and pictures.”

“You’re sure you’re well enough? I wouldn’t want you to have a relapse.”

“I’m fine,” Daniel said. “Just seeing you has driven away my grogginess. And besides, the nurses say I should get some exercise. Maybe not the stairs just yet. What floor are we on, anyway? One fifty over seventy?”

Emma laughed. “If you’re sure you’re up for it.” She helped him stand.

She laughed again. “That is a cute gown. Very sexy. One size doesn’t quite fit all.”

Daniel looked down. “This is your fault, you know.”

“Stick close to me and maybe no one will notice,” Emma said.

“That I’m unfit to be out in pubic?” Daniel quipped. “Don’t worry, I’ll stick as close to you as humanely possible.”

“But maybe some precautions would be advised,” Emma said. “I have an idea for a possible treatment.” With that she eased Daniel back onto the bed and knelt between his legs.

“Yummy,” Emma said, after swallowing Daniel’s offering. “Tastes a little like mushroom soup.”

After a sigh, Daniel said, “You’re kidding.”

“Actually not,” Emma affirmed. “Definitely tasty.” She licked her lips. “Now shall we go explore the mushroom art?”

They took the elevator, then made their way slowly along the hall off the main lobby, admiring the many paintings and photographs of mushrooms as they went.

“Some of these are really sexy,” Emma said, her grin wide. “Like lovely cocks, some fat, some thin, some tall, some small, but all jutting up, eager to fuck.”

“You think so?” Daniel asked.

“Uh huh. And you know what? Your mushroom is by far the sexiest. And I’m ready for a second helping.”

She took Daniel’s hand, and they scampered down the hall, up the stairs, into Daniel’s room, took six seconds to shed their clothes, and hopped into bed.