Chapter 9

By the time they had reached the estate Barbara had come out of her comatose condition but she seemed very weak. Her body trembled and even breathing was a task. She alternated from fever to cold. Ken didn't know what to do. He knew he loved her so much. He started to kiss her forehead and cheeks. Her lips needed to be kissed then her ears. He went to her neck and her fingers. He kissed her wrists and her nose. He was about to kiss her some more when he heard her giggle. As the car stopped Barbara began to feel so much better.

"The last thing I remember was seeing you near me and knowing I needed your help. I felt like I might die. Then I passed out and when I woke up you were kissing my nose! It tickled!"

"Thank God you are better Mrs. Youst! I was amazed when Ken bumped into me with you in such a sorry state. Maybe it was the drinks. Rum can be very nasty."

"Yes, I know what you mean Raphael. To me I felt like I was in a dream then I heard Barbara call for help. Somehow I just came out of it quickly and grabbed her up into my arms. Thank you for driving us away so quickly. Frankly, I bet Barbara would like a bath. I know I would!"

"Ha, ha, ha, after such an experience I too would like a bath. It is an unusual situation but we have more than one tub at the estate. Of course we have all of the hot water we want with the volcano so near to help us heat it."