-LILIAN-
I was getting better. Slowly, painstakingly, but noticeably. The food Elara brought, small portions of soft, bland dishes, no longer felt like a struggle. My throat, though still unable to form words, could swallow more easily. The constant churning in my stomach had lessened. I could feel a tiny bit of strength returning to my limbs, a faint tingling sensation that was both painful and hopeful. My tremors had lessened. I was eating well, truly taking in the nourishment my starved body craved.
But I still couldn't talk. The words were trapped, a screaming torrent in my mind, but my throat remained stubbornly closed, unresponsive to my desperate commands. And I still couldn't walk. My legs were useless, like heavy logs, refusing to bear my weight. I was still trapped, still helpl
