PAIN AND DENIAL

I woke up to the sound of soft breathing beside me. I sighed in relief as Thania's scent filled my nostrils.

The scent of herbs and something faintly floral clung to the air around us. She had been taking care of me again.

My body ached but the pain had faded to a dull, manageable sensation.

The herbs and potions Karmen had given me must have been very potent.

I shifted slightly, feeling the thin sheet slip against my skin.

"You're awake," Thania murmured as her fingers brushed my wrist cautiously.

I swallowed, my throat dry from dehydration. "How long have I been out?"

"A day. Maybe two. You've been in and out."

"We were so scared you'd never recover," Karmen chipped in.

I turned my head toward her voice. "Did anyone come looking for me?"

She took a brief pause. Then she murmured a faint "no".

I didn't believe her. I could hear it in her tone. There was slight hesitation weighing behind her words.