Chapter 40

Chapter 40
Chapter 40

The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains of the quiet room. A gentle breeze stirred the edges of the blanket covering Annabel’s body. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the faint glow. She didn’t move much, just blinked and stared at the ceiling for a long while.

The room was warm, the walls painted in a soft cream color. There was no sound, except for the distant chirping of birds and the low hum of a heater. On the table near her bed was a vase with freshly cut flowers. Lavender and white roses. Someone had placed them there with care.

Alicia entered the room quietly, wearing a simple beige sweater and soft shoes that made no noise as she walked. She glanced at Annabel and smiled gently when she noticed her eyes were open.

“Good morning,” she said in a calm tone.

Annabel didn’t speak. Her eyes moved to meet Alicia’s, but her lips remained still.

Alicia didn’t mind. She walked over to the monitor beside the bed and checked the readings. “Your heart rate is good. Temperature steady.”

She moved to the side and placed a small tray on the rolling table. On it was a cup of warm tea and two slices of toast with a bit of butter. “Would you like some tea?”

Annabel gave a slight nod.

Alicia adjusted the bed, lifting the headrest slowly so Annabel could sit up more comfortably. She placed the tray closer and tucked a napkin under her chin.

Annabel reached out slowly, her fingers trembling slightly as they wrapped around the handle of the cup. She brought the tea to her lips and took a small sip. Warm, soft, calming.

Alicia sat in the chair by the bedside, watching her without hovering. "If you don’t want the toast now, I can take it back. Or warm it again later."

Annabel didn’t answer, but her hand moved toward the toast, taking a small bite.

Alicia gave a quiet smile. That was enough.

A few minutes later, Katarina walked into the room. Her hair was tied back loosely, and her eyes had shadows underneath them. She held a folded blanket in her arms.

“Hi,” she said softly. “I thought you might want something warmer.”

She moved to the foot of the bed and gently unfolded the blanket, draping it across Annabel’s legs. She didn't ask how Annabel felt. She didn’t want to push. She just stood there for a moment, watching her.

Annabel finished her tea slowly and leaned back against the pillows. Katarina reached for a soft brush on the bedside and sat beside her.

“Would you like me to brush your hair?” she asked, holding the brush lightly.

Annabel didn’t speak, but after a pause, she gave a faint nod.

Katarina smiled gently and began to run the brush carefully through her tangled dark hair. Stroke by stroke, slow and delicate. The room remained quiet. There was something comforting in the silence. Nothing needed to be said.

When she was done, Katarina tied Annabel’s hair into a loose braid. “There. All neat.”

Alicia stood up, checking the clock. “It’s almost noon. We could get some fresh air, if you’re up for it.”

She looked at Annabel, waiting.

Annabel stared out the window for a moment, then nodded.

Katarina and Alicia helped her out of bed gently, guiding her to a wheelchair. They wrapped her in a soft shawl and wheeled her out into the hallway. Two guards nodded quietly as they passed.

The hallway opened into a small enclosed garden, filled with flowering plants, green grass, and a bubbling fountain at the center. The air was crisp but pleasant.

They wheeled her to a shaded spot beneath a tree. A bench stood nearby. Katarina sat there, watching the leaves sway in the breeze.

Annabel looked around. The wind brushed against her cheeks. She closed her eyes and let it touch her gently. A few birds flew past, chirping as they disappeared into the branches.

Alicia laid a light blanket over her shoulders and checked her pulse. “Everything looks good.”

Annabel nodded.

After a while, Alicia returned to the house, leaving Katarina alone with her. Still, no one spoke. There was no pressure to talk. Just the sound of the fountain and the rustling leaves.

At one point, Katarina took out a small puzzle book and began filling in a crossword. Annabel watched her for a moment, then looked away.

Later, Alicia returned with a small tray of fresh fruit. “Would you like some? Or I can keep it in your room for later.”

Annabel looked at the strawberries and bananas. She reached for a grape.

Alicia handed it to her, and she ate it quietly.

They spent nearly an hour in the garden. Annabel didn’t say much. She didn’t need to. Her face looked softer now. Less tense. She was breathing easier.

By the time they wheeled her back into the house, she was leaning slightly into the backrest, her hands resting gently on her lap.

A warm bath was drawn for her, and Alicia helped her into it with care. The water was infused with lavender and chamomile. She sank into it slowly, eyes closing as the warmth settled into her bones.

Alicia stayed nearby, not watching her, but ready if needed.

After the bath, she was dressed in clean, soft clothes. A loose grey sweater and warm cotton socks. She returned to bed, where a thicker blanket was already folded neatly.

Dinner came around seven. A small bowl of warm broth, soft bread, and a glass of water.

“Would you like the window open a little?” Alicia asked.

Annabel gave a faint nod.

Katarina opened it slightly, letting in a cool breeze.

The lights were dimmed, a soft lamp turned on beside her bed. Katarina sat by her side again, brushing her hand over her forehead gently.

“You don’t need to worry about anything,” she whispered.

Annabel’s eyes were closed, but a single tear rolled down her cheek.

Katarina wiped it away without saying anything else.

That night, Alicia stayed in the next room. Katarina remained in the armchair beside Annabel’s bed, wrapped in a blanket. The soft beeping of the monitor was the only sound.

Annabel slept. It was light, sometimes restless. But she slept.

And when the morning came again, she opened her eyes.

She was still quiet.

But something in her face had shifted.

A little calmer.

A little stronger.

And that was enough.