Steven unplugged the tub with a motion of his toe. "You'd better turn your back,...

Steven unplugged the tub with a motion of his toe. "You'd better turn your back, Emma, because I'm about to stand up if I can manage it." Emma complied quickly, praying Steven would be able to execute the feat on his own, that he wouldn't fall and crack his skull open. She held her breath. "Can't do it," he said on a frustrated sigh, and there was a splash as he settled back into the water, which was steadily draining down the pipes. "You'll have to help me again." "Oh, dear," Emma fussed. Then she went to the end of the tub and, keeping her eyes carefully closed, put her arms under Steven's and tried to hoist him to his feet. This required both of them to give their utmost, but they succeeded, and Emma hastened to hold the robe out to Steven, keeping her head averted. They were just beginning the arduous trip back up the stairs when Doc Waverly himself knocked at the glass in the back door, an affable smile on his face. Emma had never been gladder to see anyone in all her life. Doc opened the door and came inside at her nod. "Afternoon," he said cheerfully. "Giving our patient a bath?" Emma flushed. "Actually, he gave himself a bath. I just helped him downstairs." "Liar," Steven whispered, his warm breath caressing her ear. "His wrapping is wet, though," Emma went on, speaking in an unnaturally loud voice, as though to drown out anything more Steven might say. "I'll change that," Doc Waverly said. He took Emma's place under Steven's arm, and she bolted immediately for the stairs. "I'll put fresh sheets on his bed while you're bringing him up," she called back. She had managed the entire task by the time Steven and the doctor arrived at the doorway of the guest room, so slow was their advance. Steven was ashen with pain, but he smiled at Emma when he saw her step back from his freshly made bed. "Thank you," he said. "I think you could use a shot of whiskey," said the doctor, "and so could I." After

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