Grace Today was one of those calm days. I had just finished a round of workout with Declan. Yes, he had made it compulsory ever since the first time I learned how to quote unquote defend myself. Not that I was complaining. I knew he had the best intentions for me, and deep down I appreciated it. Still, appreciation did not stop my body from screaming in protest. Every single muscle in me felt like it was being punished for something I could not remember doing. My arms were heavy, my legs weak, and even breathing felt like work. I leaned back, trying to relax into the feeling, but it only made me more aware of the ache spreading through me. I groaned, slowly moving to try to make myself comfortable. Damn you Declan Not literally, but you get what I mean. “Are you alright babe?”

