Cleansing

Emberline could find no peace. Her body ached, her head throbbed, and her chest felt hollow, as though someone had reached inside and scooped out whatever she had inside.

Elena, sitting on the edge of the bed, watched Emberline with concern. She had been like this for since she had been allowed to go home, curled up and trembling, drifting in and out of restless sleep.

"Emberline," Elena whispered gently, brushing a strand of dark hair from her friend’s damp forehead. "You have to eat something. You can’t keep this up."

Emberline groaned, her voice muffled by the pillow. “I don’t want anything.”

“You’re going to make yourself worse,” Elena said, trying to keep her tone calm but firm. She stood and crossed the room to fetch a glass of water. “At least drink this.”

Emberline forced herself to sit up, wincing as her muscles protested. Her movements required immense effort. She took the glass from Elena’s hand and sipped it reluctantly.