Chapter 21
THE following morning, with Vigo’s permission, the children hung out in Chiruka’s room all day. They ate sitting on the floor of her room and napped in the same spot, never leaving but to use the restroom. Needing to rest for another two or three days, Chiruka’s bed rest orders weren’t filled with the expected tedium because of all the boisterous children prattling away in her room. After the first day they took turns visiting in pairs to keep from putting too much strain on her. The majority of scabs had peeled off, leaving no trace of the dying girl covered in red, oozing pustules the day before.
“I’m so relieved to see her doing well,” Yuki said to Selena as they stood in the back of Chiruka’s room watching her read a story to the kids sitting on and around her bed.
“She miraculously recovered from the brink of death. And her recovery rate from there has been insane.”
“Yeah, it really is amazing…. I wonder if it’s thanks to everyone praying for her to get better.”
“It very well could be.”
Yuki suddenly realized Vigo was missing from the heartwarming scene in front of them. “Oh, where’s Vigo?”
“I think he’s still asleep…”
The door opened just after Selena spoke. Vigo stood in the doorway, his stubble looking more like a full beard with how thick it had grown without him maintaining it. He rubbed a hand over his still bloodshot eyes.
“Oh, good morning, sleepyhead.”
Vigo grunted a reply and walked over to Chiruka. He asked her several questions about how she was feeling, took her temperature, and returned to where Yuki and Selena stood by the door.
“Apparently there’s another person infected not too far from here. I’m going to check on them. I’ll be back by nightfall,” he said briefly. Selena nodded, their bond not needing further words. Vigo turned his eyes on Yuki’s face and studied her. “Yuki, nothing wrong with you?”
“Why?”
“You look pale.” He put his thumb under her eye and pulled down the bottom eyelid.
He really is a doctor.
The truth was she had been feeling a little sick since the prior night. A heavy weight sat on her limbs and she kept having anemic spells. She didn’t think she let it show enough for anyone to notice though.
“Yeah, I feel a little out of it.”
“You do? Keep your activity to a minimum today then.” He waited for her to nod before handing her a glass medicine vial the size of his hand.
“…What is this?”
“Sorry to ask this of you when you aren’t feeling well, but can you pray for the recipient of this medicine to get well soon? Your prayers seem to have a good effect.”
“They do? I-I guess I can then.”
How do I pray for someone I don’t know? Yuki wrapped both hands around the vial and held it to her heart. Get better soon with this medicine and be cured.
She put her heart into it and returned the vial to Vigo.
“Thanks. Lie down if you don’t feel good,” he urged, patting Yuki roughly on the head before walking out the door.
“…You’re incredible, Yuki,” Selena gawked.
“What? Where did that come from?”
“Nowhere. Don’t mind me. Oh yeah, looks like we’ll be leaving here tomorrow morning. Be sure to pack up. Go to sleep after you finish packing if you aren’t feeling well.”
“O-Okay…”
I need to work twice as hard at it without Tita to help! Yuki clenched her fists, readying for the battle that came with every departure—packing.