I awake with a gasp; an inhale that causes my whole system to expand in accommodation of oxygen. In seconds, I’m sitting upright, blinking around as the sharp scent of rosemary and incense tickles my nostrils.
“Take it easy.”
My head snaps to Nan who just spoke. She’s sitting on a stool, wise eyes staring at me like she’s trying to conclude if I am still myself or something else entirely. “Deep breaths. You’ve been through a lot.” She adds; her scrutiny satisfactory.
I am not in the cottage, and we are not alone.
The space seems to be a large hall with multiple beds identical to the one I’m sitting on. It reminds me of a sick tent or a camp used as a makeshift hospital, but more comfortable and without all the diseased people. Around me instead, are most of the women and children of th
