Turn to Me: Chapter 11( Warning, minor injuries and blood)
Rhett poked at the fire in the stove for a minute or so and then heard grumbling from Link. He looked to see his friend struggling with the can, muttering to himself. Rhett walked over and stood behind him, looking over his shoulder. “What’s up?”Link jumped slightly and glanced at him. “The darn pull tab broke and I can’t get the can open.” He rifled through the drawers until he found a cheap-looking can opener. “Maybe this will work,” he said. Rhett watched as Link fussed with the device, trying to get it to latch onto the edge of the can.
After a minute, Rhett reached for it. “Can I try?”
Link snatched it away. “No, let me do it.”
Rhett decided to be funny. He stepped up so his chest was against Link’s bare back, causing his friend to freeze. Rhett reached around Link with both arms and put his hands over the other man’s. “Are you sure my big, strong hands wouldn’t work better?”
Link’s arms tensed, but between Rhett’s body and the counter, he had nowhere to go. “C’mon, man, quit messing around.”
Rhett laughed. “I can never get over how much bigger my hands are than yours.” He tried to pull the can and opener out of Link’s hands.
“Stop it, let me do this.” Link shoved back against Rhett as he set the can on the counter and leaned his weight onto the opener. With a grunt of effort, he was finally able to get the teeth to latch onto the rim. He cranked the handle until the can’s top was almost free, but it snagged on the last millimeter.Rhett, still standing close behind him, teased, “Can’t close the deal, huh?”
“Shut up, Rhett.” Link stood on his toes for more leverage and pushed hard. The can shot out from under the opener and spun across the counter, spraying them both with cold chicken soup. Link bore the brunt of it, but Rhett still got some spattered across his cheek and lips. He tasted the thick salty liquid and started to laugh.
It took him a few seconds to realize Link hadn’t moved. He craned his neck around to see Link staring down at an open gash in his right palm. His hand must have come down hard on the lid when the can jumped. They both watched, speechless, as blood welled up and began to drip down Link’s wrist. Link made a soft noise in his throat and swayed slightly. Rhett felt a stirring of panic. “It’s okay, Link. It’s okay, buddy, stay with me.”
Join Qfeast to read the entire story!
Sign In. It is absolutely free!
