Chapter 53

I kept my face neutral. "That's in the past, sir," I said briskly. "Let me know what you need. Would you like help going to the bathroom?" He grimaced, shifting uncomfortably. "My back is killing me. I can't get out of bed. But I need to pee." I glanced at the bedpan on the floor. I bent down, cleaned it off, and placed it carefully under his hips. Once he finished, I took the bedpan to the bathroom, washed it thoroughly, and then returned. "Fetch me water," he ordered, motioning toward the bedside table. I poured water into a disposable cup, brought it to his lips, and helped him drink. Then I moved to straighten his blanket—tucking in the corners, smoothing out the wrinkles. "My slippers are out of place," he added. I walked over and lined them up neatly by the bed without a word. "My back is burning from lying here all day. I want to sit up." Carefully, I helped him adjust, propping a pillow behind his back to support him. Not once did I react to his tone or his attempts to provoke