In the morning, Patience knelt by the bed with a bowl of water and a cloth in her hands. She nodded up at Anax, whom Schuler removed. The man leaned back and allowed her to wash his face for him. Cool and moist, the cloth painted relief across his skin.
“Look at you tending to me like a nurse this whole week.”
“A nurse with some benefits it would seem,” she added.
Schuler attempted to chuckle but instead choked on a bit of phlegm. Patience mindfully dabbed his lips with the cloth. He held his hand up to stop her. “Now I don’t want your pity …”
“I don’t pity you! I’m genuinely worried about you.”
“Spending all this time with me …“
“All of this was ultimately my fault,” Patience whispered.
“What are you saying?”
A wall of sorrow rose inside her, pushing at the back of her throat, warping her words. “The fever … it’s the result of a witch’s curse. It had to have been that man, Dorcas’ nephew,” she whimpered. “It should have been me with the fever … I shouldn’t have ever been that stu—”
“Hey, now!” said Schuler, patting her hand. “That’s all happened in the past. It’s not as if you laid the curse …”
“I do feel guilty!” Patience gently gripped his arm. “But I want to see you well because you’re my best friend.”
“Me? Shucks. But you’ve done enough. Don’t let me hold you back. You should be out, living your life …” he droned, “maybe find a nice boy or something.”
“I … don’t want to find a nice boy,” she mumbled, head hung low. Her heart clenched. “You’re important to me … You’re the only human left alive I—” Patience shook her head, catching herself before she rambled longer.
Schuler looked at her with wide eyes. He rubbed her arm and shifted his head back into the pillow. His gaze drifted upward, searching the ceiling for his words.
“You know, I thought I was on my deathbed. All that time spent lying here got me to reflect on my life. Maybe all my wanderlust was just my brain trying to find that one thing that makes me as happy as music does, even happier.” He grasped Patience’s hand in his.
She smiled sadly. “I’m sorry I rejected you all those years ago. I … was scared,” murmured the girl.
Schuler squeezed her hand. “It’s all right. No hurt feelings. Well, I was disappointed, but I never held it against you.”
Patience solemnly nodded. Schuler lifted a finger to her chin reassuringly. She warmed at his touch.
“I just want you to know I care about you—a lot. Yesterday afternoon with you made it all the clearer,” he said.
Patience nodded more fervently. “I … care deeply about you too.”
“We’ve all got one life to live …” The man glanced over at Anax resting beside him on the bed. “Well, most of us.”
She chuckled, tears on the verge of pooling. Patience rubbed the man’s hand with her thumb. His skin felt thinner than she previously remembered. She realized how much he had aged from when they first met.
“I’m sure you know, but—Hell, I love you, Patience,” Schuler gushed.
Patience’s eyebrows drew upward. To finally hear those words out loud was surreal. It completed a puzzle within her mind, and now she saw the transcendent image before her.
Time was always marching on. The lead on Patience’s rope was longer, and she could see Schuler hiking closer to its dark heels. While a spinster’s life in the emotionless void was safe and stable, it no longer captivated Patience. She wanted to love this man, to bask in the light of his candle before it went out. It was a risk. It would not be easy. But as a skull had taught her, sometimes forging into the unknown would make things worth all the while.
“So I will ask you again, Patience Firmin,” he said, meeting eyes with her, “and you can still say ‘no’ …” He inhaled, air passing roughly into his lungs. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Her lips wrinkled into a smile. After everything she had been through, it was clear. Schuler would not readily leave her. Patience now knew her life had to include him for as long and as closely as possible. They both had one life to live. She was willing to accept that. She was ready.
“Yes. I will, Mathis Schuler. I love you.”
Patience leaned in until she was face-to-face with the man. She wrapped her lips tenderly around his. Schuler shyly returned her force. His mustache tickled her lip, the hairs soft and gentle. She soaked in the warmth of his skin and caught the subtle scent that was his alone. Her heart swelled. However, their kiss ended all too soon when Patience pulled back. She tugged at the hem of her blouse, eyes pleading into his.
“But please tell me you will also accept Anax. Take him to keep you healthy, to keep you strong …” Patience’s throat cinched, attempting to quell her rising emotions. “To keep you here on this earth longer … with me.”
Schuler held her gaze for a moment and sighed. Patience’s nerves constricted, fearing rejection.
“I know he means a lot to you … and I can’t ever ask you to get rid of him.” He smoothed his hair.
Patience’s lips quivered.
He then broke into a smile. “Well,” he said, “living longer? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”
Patience flew into him, wrapping her arms over his shoulders. “Thank you! Thank you …” Her chest could barely contain the joy in her heart.
They kissed again before Patience placed Anax on Schuler’s head. Beaming, she waited for the skull’s eye to form. It swirled into focus.
“Anax. Schuler and I are to wed, and he has accepted you,” she told the skull.
“Wh—really?” Anax paused, searching Schuler’s thoughts for confirmation. “You’ll have me as part of your marriage?”
“Just behave, please. And give Schuler strength,” Patience simpered.
“I …”
“Would you mind? Having me as your life-donor from time to time?” asked Schuler. “I’ll leave you with Patience when I have performances.”
“Of course I’ll have you,” the skull creaked. “I’ll have both of you.”
Anax extended tendrils around Schuler and more to wrap around Patience, bringing them all into an embrace on the edge of the bed. Patience allowed herself to laugh, overjoyed with their acceptance of each other. Schuler chuckled as well. This was certainly not what he envisioned for a life with Patience, but things seemed to have brighter prospects than he imagined.
“So you won’t mind sharing me now?” Patience teased.
“I get two donors out of this. I think it’s a fair trade,” said the skull. “So long as I can still do what I want with you!” He snaked a tendril down Patience’s blouse.
“That won’t change,” the girl sighed with a smile. Her eyes then flashed to Schuler. “Have you any problems with that?”
The man smirked, reaching a hand around Patience’s hip. “If I get my time too, I don’t mind.”
She flushed.
“My own family unit!” hissed Anax, quite pleased with himself. A laugh boomed from the skull. He squeezed the two humans tighter. “It’s a bit unconventional, but it’s my own!”
“We’ve been in an unconventional situation since the first day I placed you on my head!” Patience snickered, lightly pinching a tendril.
Still a bit dazed from illness and the new permanent addition in his life, Schuler could do naught but sit with a grin slapped on his face. “Well, this’ll be an adventure for the ages,” breathed the man.
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On the precipice of yet another new chapter in her life, Patience smiled warmly at Schuler and Anax. It had been strange seeing Anax from the other side. It was even stranger seeing Schuler under his skull. However at this moment, something about it felt quite appropriate: the two men she cared for most, together as one. She looked forward to what would unfold in the near future.
Valon was right. There were no happy endings in life, for every life ended in death. At the very least, one could hope for a bittersweet ending. When the time would come for Patience to sit by Schuler’s side once more with no hope of having him rise again, she knew she would have Anax there with her. Even without the monstrous skull, she would have the memories of a life lived with Schuler to keep her company as she saw him into his next life. A silent, dark, yet peaceful life.
Patience leaned in to hug Schuler tightly. A vow passed her lips to never let this man away from her again. She peered up, meeting his face. She stared into his deep blue eyes, one obscured by the glowing orb of Anax’s eye. As she held their gaze, she knew at that moment she also held their hearts. Just as well. They had long had hers.
“Oh! This occasion is missing a key piece,” said Schuler. “Patience, go on over to the dresser. In the top drawer, near the left, you’ll find a box. Grab it and open it, will ya? It’s for you.”
Obliging, Patience stepped to the dresser. She rummaged through his clothes before discovering the box. Smaller than she had pictured, Patience took it into her hands like a baby bird. She carefully undid the minuscule, golden hook latch with her fingernails, and opened it. Inside the octagonal container was a gold ring. The metal wrapped around a cluster of garnets in the shape of a flower with a modest yellow topaz in the center. Patience gasped as she lifted it to her eyes.
“I saw it in Checagoa and thought it’d be perfect. I know how you feel about cut flowers, so a more permanent option may be more appealing. Hope it fits,” Schuler said. “You like it?”
Breathless, Patience slipped it on her finger. It was a few hairs loose, but she marveled at its simple beauty. Humbled, she took it off and returned it to the miniature box.
“I can’t accept this,” said Patience.
“Do you not like it?”
“No! I love it. It’s beautiful—I just cannot allow it for myself.”
“Why not? We’re getting married, right?” asked Schuler, worry plastered on his face.
“We are! But this must have cost so much …”
“Patience. This ring is intended for you and only you to wear. Even if we never got married, I would have given it to you come the right time. So please. Accept my gift.”
A smile spread across Patience’s lips. She reapplied the ring to her finger and admired the warm colors singing on her skin. To be gifted such a piece was beyond her comprehension. Marriage hardly ever crossed her mind, so she never pictured a ring like this adorning her hand. It was a wild concept, but just as incredible and tangible as a talking skull.
“I wish to see!” said Anax.
Just then a series of knocks came from the front door.
“You’ll have time enough to see it later.” Patience chuckled as she went to the entrance.
Anax grumbled and dissipated.
To Patience’s surprise, the cheery countenances of Minky and Amelia greeted her behind the door. “Oh! Minky! Amelia! Good morning!”
“Good morning, Patience!” Amelia chirped over a full basket.
“Hi, girls!” Schuler called from the bed.
“It appears Schuler’s feeling better.” Minky laughed, hefting a pot between her arms.
Amelia nudged her partner’s arm with her elbow. “We wanted to stop by with some food. We won’t disturb you for long.” She proffered Patience a basket with homemade jam, a hunk of ham, and rustic rolls. Meanwhile, Minky let herself in to set down the lidded pot in the kitchen. “Minky’s famous potato soup!” Amelia explained. Minky then took the basket and set it beside the soup. Patience graciously thanked them.
“The whole band wishes you well!” Minky hollered. “Celeste also sends her regards!”
“Bless your hearts!” came Schuler’s voice.
Amelia winked at Patience. “We need him back at the theater! I can’t keep covering his parts with my zither. Doesn’t sound quite right.” She took Patience’s hand in hers to pat it. “Keep taking good care of him!”
Then she saw it. Amelia’s eyes widened and her face seemed to shine as she lightly touched the ring with her fingertip. Her mouth fell agape, failing to say anything. Remembering herself, Amelia retracted her hands. She flashed Patience a look of glee.
Minky then realized what the fuss was about. “SCHULER! You proposed to Patience?” Minky cried from the doorway. Amelia snapped her partner’s suspenders to reprimand her outburst.
“Yes, Minky. Can we keep silent on this until I return?” Schuler shouted.
Minky’s mouth snapped shut, trying to hide her excitement, though her glistening blue eyes spoke the loudest. Amelia collected herself and absentmindedly primped her coiffure. She shot Patience a smile, leaning in toward the girl.
“Congratulations! Patience! We’re so happy for you and Schuler! It’s about time he settled down!” Amelia whispered.
“Ah, we ought to get going and bother you two not a moment more! We still have a show this afternoon,” said Minky with a sly wink. They bade their farewell.
Once the pair took their leave, Patience shut the door with her heart aflutter. She never knew an engagement could excite others so. Never had she experienced anyone gushing over her like that. A tad flustered, she stepped away from the door to see to Schuler.
Back atop the bed, Anax cradled Patience’s hand in his vaporous tendrils, turning her fingers slowly to admire the ring. Patience liked how gently he could touch her. She shifted her head to glance at Schuler. The fact that a wedding was to come began to sink into her bones.
“Mrs. Laurence will be happy to hear she can finally make me a wedding dress,” sighed Patience with a dreamy smile on her lips. She had seen wedding gowns on dress forms in the shop a multitude of times. To think that she would have one soon of her own made her heart drum. As she hardly wore dresses, the shape of her future gown remained vague, but Mrs. Laurence would most certainly guide her.
Then a thought crossed her mind. “I suppose you want to get married in a catholic church.”
“Doesn’t have to be that specifically. I’d feel rightly judged if I stepped in one.” The man laughed, smoothing the bedspread under his hand.
“Can’t you ask for all your transgressions to be forgiven?”
“Er—yes. Still, I won’t feel right since I’ve drifted so far away from the Church. Last time I attended was for my nephew’s christening. ‘Sides, they’d want you converted and baptized to have a fully sacramental wedding.”
Patience flopped onto her back. “Then to the courthouse we will go.”
“Marriage customs are so strange,” mused Anax. “My kind have no such rituals.”
“There is a beauty in simplicity,” hummed Schuler. “A courthouse wedding and a nice dinner will do us fine. Is that all you want, Patience?”
“I really have no preference.”
“Hm … the band may want to do a bit more. I just want to prepare you for that.” He clasped Patience’s hand, gently sandwiching Anax’s tendril in between.
“So long as at the end of the day, we are together.” Patience flexed her fingers to grip onto the tips of his. She had never personally been to a wedding, so she was unsure of the common practices and what level of pomp would be appropriate.
“Would they want a dinner like that night at Lang’s?” asked Anax.
“Hell, they’d probably want to host a whole party at Lang’s!” Schuler chuckled. “Would that be all right, Patience? Of course, nothing is for certain yet—just thinking of the possibilities.”
“Lang’s sounds lovely. I do enjoy the food there.” The idea of festivities was beginning to dawn on Patience. She clicked her tongue. “Well, if we are to have a party, we must get a cake from the Haighs!”
Mrs. Haigh always handled the special orders, but will occasionally have Seraphina assist. Even if Patience would have to interact with her, a bit of her contempt for the blonde dissolved. If the town loved Seraphina, then so be it. Patience now had others to love her.
“Will you invite your brother and his family?” asked Patience.
“Sure, I’ll invite them. Don’t know if they’ll come, though. It would take weeks for them to get here.”
Patience nodded.
Forgetting Anax’s presence, Schuler stroked his chin, his fingers hitting a mandible. “Have any family you want to invite?”
“You’ve seen all my family at the funerals. In their old age, I’m sure they wouldn’t be able to make the trip. And I hardly know any of my younger cousins …“ Patience sighed.
Her relatives were veritable strangers. But considering the few people in town she did like, invitations to Mrs. Laurence and the Wells brothers would be nice. Patience supposed she would inform Uncle Lung about her engagement and send a perfunctory invitation as well, even though the chances of him coming were slim. Should they all come, it would still be a small celebration.
She looked Schuler and Anax in the eyes and smiled. “It’s all right, I have all the family I need right here.”
The growl of Schuler’s stomach interrupted the moment. Patience patted his abdomen with cheerful assurance before rising from the bed.
Once Minky’s potato soup was thoroughly heated, they sat down at the kitchen table for lunch. Patience nearly shed a tear seeing Schuler in a room that did not contain the bath or bed. However, she refused to let it escape her eye. She had cried enough the past few days. Schuler was getting better by the hour. They were engaged. Anax was happy. It was time to enjoy their first proper meal all together.
“After we are properly married, are we to move into my cottage?” asked Patience, breaking a chunk of potato with her spoon.
“If you’d like,” said Schuler.
Patience glanced in the direction of the bathroom door and whined. She would indeed miss indoor plumbing.
“You won’t mind commuting to Haverston?”
“It’s not a long ride,” Schuler said.
“Can you take me to borrow books from Haverston’s library?” asked Anax. Patience stifled a chuckle. He seemed like an eager child in that instant.
“Of course.”
Anax trilled.
“Finish all the books at home, first,” Patience teased.
The rest of the day was spent in the company of the guitar. At Anax’s behest, Schuler allowed the creature to strum and practice what he had picked from the man’s brain. Categorically amazed, Schuler played a couple of songs that Anax mirrored with only the man’s memories as guidance. Anax astounded them both when he invented his own melodies. The idea to get Anax a small inexpensive guitar of his own crossed between Schuler and Patience. Perhaps for the holidays. Then he could partake in duets with the musician, but of course they would be for Patience’s ears alone.
That night they fell onto newly changed sheets. Free of the scent of disease and sweat. Fresh and bright for the trio’s new beginning together. Patience nuzzled in close to Schuler’s chest. He rested above her so that Anax’s jaws would not hamper her. They fit into each other as pieces of a puzzle. Never had Patience felt such bliss. She could remain there forever. This was where she belonged.