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"I want a shower," Charlie nodded. She tried to move her legs and moaned as pain shot through her body.

Adam grimaced as though he were the one hurting. "Maybe you'd better lie still for awhile longer," he suggested.

Unwilling to remain in the soiled bed any longer than she had to, Charlie moved her legs again. This time the pain didn't take her by surprise and she managed to swing her limbs over the edge of the bed.

"I feel woozy," groaned Charlie.

"That's because you've lost a lot of blood," Adam explained tenderly.

"You'd better take Matthew," she cautioned. "I don't want to drop him."

"I'll put the boy in his crib," said Adam, taking the infant from Charlie. "Don't try to stand up without me, Charlie. I'll just be a moment."

"You've been telling me to stay put, all night," she smiled, as he lifted Matthew into the crib. "I wouldn't go anywhere without you, Adam."

"I'm glad to hear it," he grinned, coming back to her bedside. "Lean on me as you try to stand up."

"What if I fall?" she whimpered, her courage buckling as she felt just how weak her body truly was.

Adam smiled affectionately. "I won't let you fall." He placed an arm around her waist, and she slowly stood up.

"I need to use the bathroom," Charlie's face became urgent.

"That's where we're headed," replied Adam, gently trying to help her take a step toward the bathroom.

"I need to use it NOW," she explained seriously.

"Would it be all right if I picked you up?"

"Please hurry," she replied a little frantically. "I don't think I can hold it!"

Adam scooped Charlie into his arms and he carried her to the master bathroom. When he placed Charlie on the toilet, blood mingled with urine came streaming out.

"I wish it would stop," whimpered Charlie, leaning her head against Adam's leg as he stood beside the toilet.

"The bleeding keeps getting less and less," he tried to encourage her.

Charlie looked faint again, and Adam braced her with his body. "You're not going to fall off the toilet, are you?" he asked, half jokingly.

"I'm going to take a shower now," she announced, using Adam's arm to help her stand up.

"Take it slowly," coaxed Adam, as Charlie tried a step on her own. She wobbled, and before she could put out her hand to catch her fall, she was already safe in Adam's arms. "You'd better let me help," he smiled.

Adam guided her behind the frosted glass of the shower doors. He started the water, and dropped Charlie's bloodstained nightgown in a heap on the floor.

When they emerged several minutes later, Adam dried Charlie and then dressed her in a clean nightgown. She had used much of her energy just standing in the shower while he bathed her, and Adam didn't want to take very much longer.

"I need to lie down," mumbled Charlie.

"I know," he sighed. "Are you feeling faint again?"

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