The Last Human (a novel)

problems that climate change seemed to be causing, and what had been found under chairs and the couch while cleaning his house.

Adrian had only partially recovered and was exhausted from the cross-country flight. They took him to his improvised sick room in the mansion library. A hired health-care professional made sure the I.V. apparatus was working. With tubes and a needle in him they tucked him into bed, and he quickly drifted off to sleep. Lionel pushed the wheelchair next to his bed in case he might wake up and want it.

Two weeks went by in the large house on the estate in the tranquil wilds of northern California. Adrian gained back much of his strength but still needed rest and watching. His sister Idris, the house and healthcare staff, and Lionel were pleased by his progress.

Lionel returned as he had for weeks from a drive to the nearby town general store and carried full grocery bag into the makeshift sickroom. Adrian was at his laptop exchanging emails. Lionel gave Adrian a friendly nod. Without saying anything he patted the grocery bag, nodded, and went into the nearby kitchen and began putting away the groceries.

Adrian put aside his laptop. "Thanks," he shouted to Lionel in the kitchen. "I really appreciate what you and my sister have done these last couple months."

"You're welcome," Lionel shouted back from the kitchen.

Shortly Lionel emerged from kitchen, pulled up a small chair, and sat with his legs straddling the chair's back. "We're glad to see you coming along so well."

Adrian shrugged and grinned. "Miracles of modern medicine."

Lionel glanced out into the adjoining patio. "Where's Idris?"

"Walking around the estate."

"Splendid day. Feel up to sitting outside?"

"Sure. Let's soak up some sun."

With Lionel's assistance, Adrian struggled out of bed. Adrian slipped into his slippers and Lionel handed him a cane. They moved slowly toward the patio.

Outside in it, Lionel helped Adrian into one of several well-padded chaise lounge chairs. As Adrian struggled to stretch out in it, Lionel sat and stretched out in the one next to it. Adrian made an effort to relax in the sun and looked philosophically into the wild California scenery and apparently found himself overwhelmed by its beauty.