Bishop George lay in a hospital bed between sleep and vague drowsiness. He was hot, frustrated and uncomfortable. Waiting. Waiting for the nurses to bring him food. Waiting for them to change him. He loathed being dependent on others like this. He'd always gone his own way, not caring whom he offended. Then again he was lucky to be alive, and boredom and frustration were the least of his worries. His leg had been reset, but he was very much troubled by the thought of infection developing.
Bishop George closed his eyes and wondered if he'd be well enough to attend the Easter service at St Michael's Church. He'd been looking forward to it for ages, and it was only two weeks away. Reverend Morris had just departed, having spent an hour with him. The visit had lifted the bishop's spirits and he was thankful for the vicar's kind words.
"That bloody cyclist! He shouldn't have been on the pavement in the first place!"
He'd been walking down the street and had been sent flying when a careless cyclist had crashed right into him. His right leg had been broken in three places. It had been a terrible ordeal, but he didn't expect to remain in hospital for long. You were soon booted out these days.
Bishop George sighed. He wasn't looking forward to his sister Anne, coming to care for him whilst he recovered. Anne was notoriously bossy.
Meanwhile, back at St Michael's Vicarage, Jenna sipped a coffee and idly ran her finger down the cup.
"Poor George," she said, as Reverend Morris returned from visiting him in the hospital. "You know something, why don't we let him stay with us while he recovers? We have two spare bedrooms, one for when Christopher stays over, but the smaller room would be ideal for George. It's got a folding bed."
Reverend Morris thought for a moment. "You're absolutely right, Jen. You're a true Christian. The Bishop has been very good to me since I took over at St Michael's. We could provide all the care he needs. Whilst his sister might mean well, she's a rather...fierce individual!"
"I only met her once. She scared me!"
The vicar nodded. "Besides, having him staying with us will help keep my mind off...er, you know. I've been struggling recently with what we've given up for Lent."
Jenna smiled. "I know Simon. You've done really well. Not much longer now. When Easter comes...He will rise...I'm not just talking about Jesus by the way..."
Reverend Morris bit his lip. "He might be rising already...Ohh! I can't wait to have sex again...must restrain myself. Right, I'll go and prepare the spare bedroom for George."
The bishop was more than delighted when Reverend Morris arrived to collect him from the hospital the next day.
"You're quite sure about this, Simon?" He said as the vicar pushed his wheelchair down the aisle. "I don't want to be a burden to you and Jenna. Busy weeks ahead for you, what with Holy Week and so on. And your son, doesn't he stay over on Fridays?"
"Think nothing of it, George. We have two spare bedrooms at the vicarage. There's room for everyone. Jenna and I are glad to have you staying with us. It'll be peace of mind knowing that you'll be safe and well-looked after."
Bishop George smirked to himself. He was definitely looking forward to getting some special therapy off Jenna. He remembered the little birthday ceremony he'd taken part in just before Christmas...
"Must say, I'm glad to be out of that hospital," he muttered, as he was helped into the car. "The bloke in the bed next to me - he lay there for two hours before someone realised he was dead. Poor sod. I said a few prayers for him."
"That's awful," Reverend Morris replied. "Well hopefully, you'll find the vicarage a lot more relaxing, and our meals a lot more edible. We both enjoy cooking."
He drove out of the hospital car park and headed for the motorway.
"The nursing staff said you were a difficult patient."