There was something not quite right about the way he breathed. It was rough. A little as if he was parched and needed a drink. I sat down on the floor near to the bunk wondering what I ought to do. A few feet away Janey was quiet and relaxed in sleep. I didn’t want to wake him. But I was worried. I touched his shoulder very lightly. ‘Davey…’ his eyes opened, and he focused on me. ‘I’m sorry… you seemed to be breathing kind of funny… not quite right. It was stupid of me, really.’ ‘No… no, it alright.’ He blinked and rubbed his eyes, ‘pass me the water flask will you.’ ‘How long do you think it will take to finish all this?’ I whispered as I handed him the flask. He raised himself on one elbow, and took a long drink before replying; ‘I think it will take no more than ten days,’ he said keeping his voice low, ‘But we need to find out how long we have been out here relative to the time at home. It’s important to find out…..’ he coughed and wheezed.
