Thema makes a small sound of protest as I start to bathe her gently. Ward respectfully steps out of the room before I uncover her. I tear one of the frilly gowns into pieces to wrap what I hope is only a sprained ankle, and to hold the gauze in place over several nasty looking wounds. Thema tosses and turns in fear a few times and I place a gentle hand on her forehead and smooth her hair back until she calms. I know she can't hear me, but I talk to her the whole time anyway, hoping that maybe the vibrations from my voice or my chest when I support her, somehow reach her. I dress her in one of my best nightgowns and rub the sweat from my forehead with an arm. I don't know how long I've been at this.
“Ward? Can you help me please? I'd like to change the bed linens.” I call and though it tak
