Butterflies Fluttering & Flowers Blooming

"When did you wake? How do you feel?" Atticus asked, immediately shaking himself to full alertness. He looked over Daphne with a critical eye. She was wearing a long gown that covered her torso and chest, but he could see terrible bruising on her arms, and the dark circles under her eyes belied her exhaustion.

"A few hours ago. Sirona told me you didn't sleep for two days, so I decided to let you sleep in," Daphne whispered slowly, her voice hoarser than usual. Atticus winced; once again, he had broken one of his own mental promises to Daphne. 

Out of all the times to fall asleep, he had to nod off when Daphne woke up!

"And I'm fine. I'm a lot better now, thanks to Sirona. And you came just in time. Thank you, Atticus," Daphne continued, smiling beautifully at Atticus while he gaped at her.

"I… How can you even thank me? I failed you again!" 

Daphne blinked at him, confused. "How so? You came for me, as promised."