Sasha opened her eyes and tried to move, but her stomach still hurt. She looked around and was surprised to see Alea sitting nearby, reading a novel. She had no idea how many days had passed. From what she could tell, she was in a hospital. She glanced at Alea with a distant gaze but held back her tears, not wanting to appear weak.
Alea looked up and met Sasha’s eyes, now that she was awake. She walked over, but Sasha quickly turned her face away, too embarrassed to be seen like this. Alea understood—she knew Sasha well enough to know she hated looking vulnerable.
Her husband had actually forbidden her from coming to care for Sasha, but she had pleaded with him until Zeno finally agreed.
“Don’t worry, just pretend I’m not even here,” Alea said softly.
“You don’t have to pity me. I dese
