He spent too long sitting there, watching her rest. He began stroking her hair, listening to her soft breath. He kept telling himself to leave. Oscar had other things to worry about. Finding the new mayor, keeping the town on an even keel... Worrying about Rimara wasn't part of it. But she always had a way of keeping herself present in his mind. When he was sure she was asleep, he pulled himself away.
He needed air. He needed to think. Oscar went into the kitchen and found the bottle waiting for him. It was better in his hands than hers. He popped off the top with ease and took a drink. It burned down his throat but it made things just a little easier. Oscar leaned against the kitchen doorway, taking another sip. The house was quiet and still. Life was leaving it little by little. If Rimara left, it would stand like a skeleton. It wouldn't matter who else lived here. It would always be hers.
An idea swelled into his head as the alcohol muddled his brain. It was a selfish idea. It was desperate. But that never stopped him. He slowly made his way into the bedroom and stood over her. Even in sleep she looked haunted. With the back of his hand, he caressed her cheek and softly spoke the words of a binding spell. He would make sure she never left. He needed her. And as with many binding spells, he sealed it with a kiss on her sleeping lips.
He walked away, bottle in hand. It wasn't right or fair to her, he knew that. Hopefully she would never find out. He left his coat behind as he left. He didn't know where he was going but he didn't trust himself enough to stay.