As I came out of consciousness, I started to hear sounds of distant voices. Even though I was not fully awake yet, I strained to open my eyes in hoping to see where the voices were coming from. When I did, all was dark! I began to stir to feel what was on my eyes only to discover I was in a bed under covers for I felt the warm blankets and sheets a top me. When I began to stir, I noticed also that I had something wrapped around the palm of my right hand and around left elbow. What could they be? I began to sense that they were bandages. I tried to lift my hand out from under the blankets in order to see it but something stopped me from doing so. I began to discover that two things kept me from moving. The pain that I felt every time I tried to use some of my muscles and I also seemed to sense another in the room. It was someone else preparing something.

This person seemed to be a healer of some sort because I could at least smell various aromas of medicinal herbs of some kind or another. It was strong yet soothing all at the same moment. The soothing smell of menthol was one of the various aromas I smelled. Oh, how I wish to open my eyes! If only I could be able to, I would see what was happening and if there was anyone else in the room with me, but that will soon have to wait because I had discovered bandages tightly wrapped around my head covering my eyes. Along with this bandage, there was a burning sensation that felt as if my entire face was on fire! How did I end up this way? What has happened to my eyes and will I be able see again?

I started to try to move in an effort to prop myself up, but only to end up moaning and wincing slightly in pain from my damaged arms. I must have been a little bit loud because, I heard a little “thud” sound like a jar being set atop a wooden countertop and then footsteps moving towards my location. Almost at once, my hearing ability heightened and I became slightly more alert like a dog perking its ears up to listen for something. When I listened, I heard the ruffle of cloth and the voice of woman.

“So you’ve finally awakened. Poor girl, don’t you worry though, I’ve almost completed preparing your medicine so you will be able to start feeling better soon….”

Her voice sounded almost comforting to me like a mother caring for her sick child. I almost wanted to speak, so I started to rise from the bed, but before I could, she was at my bedside again in a quick second.

“What do think you is doing? You cannot get up just yet! Your still very weak and you need your rest!” she said in a stern, motherly way.

I tried to speak in response. “I’m al---.” At once, she interrupted me and forced me to lie down. I started to struggle a little, but I discovered that I really was too weak. Almost at once, I felt a great sensation of my energy draining from me. Luckily, I was in a bed because I fell back on my pillow while clutching the side of my head. With that, she tucked me back in and proceeded to finish preparing the medicinal liquid that I soon would probably have to swallow with effort. I just hope it will be pleasant enough to consume on my behalf…