Page 36 of Psychic Obsession
As they walked back into the TV room, Frode came to a stop.In the armchair was Nikolai.He'd missed him when he woke.
"What the fuck?"
Nikolai looked up from his phone, and Frode realized the only lights on were the window lamps he had on timer."What are you doing here?"
"Checking if you're alive."
"I'm alive.You can leave now."
Nikolai made no effort to leave; he didn't so much as change position in the armchair.Frode huffed and walked around the room to switch on some lights, then he slumped on the couch as far away from Nikolai as he could get.He didn't have the energy to talk about the case now.
"Do you want some food?"Hjalmar was halfway to the kitchen before he hesitated and looked at Frode.
"Yes, please."
As he disappeared into the kitchen, Frode could sense Nikolai's eyes on him."What?"
"Nothing."
"Why are you staring at me then?"
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
Nikolai sighed."How are you feeling?"
"Like someone drilled a hole in my skull and then took an electric whisk to my brain."
Silence, then Nikolai sighed again."Dramatic."
"You asked."
He huffed."I did, my fault."
"Yeah, Nikolai, your fault."Frode's tone wasn't pleasant, but he didn't wish for it to be either."What are you doing in my home?"
"Hjalmar was worried.It made me worry."
Frode snorted but regretted it as his head almost exploded.Nikolai must've seen his wince because his expression softened."Do painkillers help?"
"A little."
"Want me to get you some?"
"No.Please, don't touch anything."
Nikolai nodded slowly."Hjalmar is touching things."
"He knows what to touch and what not to, and should he touch something by mistake, I don't mind seeing his face when he isn't here.You on the other hand...I'd like to be able to move around in my own home without having you there with me."
"Charming."
"I'm sure you understand."Or not.
Hjalmar appeared with the same plate of chicken and rice.Frode accepted it with a nod.He wasn't in the mood for more chicken and rice, but since he didn't have the energy to cook, he didn't have much choice.
He shoveled in one bite after the other--chewing, swallowing, adding another bite--while staring at the wall next to the TV.He could switch it on to give them all something to do, but he wasn't keen on exposing his eyes to flickering light.
