KATALINA
I have never felt this tired in my life. The fatigue reached into my soul. I felt so heavy that I just wanted to lay still forever, but from afar, I could hear some whispers. It started as a hum and gradually grew closer and clearer until I could hear every word.
“Gerald, are you sure?” A deeply worried voice asked.
“She just needs lots of fluids and a good rest. Feed her warm soup until she recovers and can eat something solid. She will be fine.” The one named Gerald replied. His voice was deep and drawn like he was being forced to speak.
Who is going to be fine? Who are these people? Where am I? And why in hell do I feel like a truck ran me over?
Then the two voices disappeared and silence reigned.
I tried to open my eyes, but I swear, someone probably sealed them off with glue and placed a small hill on my face. With nothing to distract me, my fatigue overtook me again and I willingly let it. It was just easier than thinking and moving…
The humming started again. This time, it was like the gathering of bees. It gradually drew me out of darkness until I could hear and feel.
It felt like I was being carried and someone was trying to make me drink water. Suddenly, I felt parched. I wanted to snatch it and gulp it down, but it was just a thought. I couldn’t move at all. My body was still weak and heavy. My eyes were still pressed down by a small hill. I could only stay still while they tried to get the water down my throat. I couldn’t even swallow.
As the person was feeding me, they were speaking reassuringly to someone, promising that they would never do something again. I was too focused on getting the water down my throat. I couldn’t make out all the words. Then, the water stopped, and my body softly sank into something soft and comfy. Then, there was silence again…
My head hurt pretty badly.
I was steaming from the inside out. I was drenched in sweat, and my back felt itchy. I wanted to scratch it badly. I tried to move, and voila, my hand moved. I still felt heavy, but not as bad as before. My hand didn’t go far though. Lifting it took too much from me. I needed to take a bath to cool my body down.
I turned my head and tried to open my eyes. They still felt heavy, but I could move my eyelids. Relieved, I opened my eyes. The room was dimly lit, and I was alone.
It felt like I had forgotten something. What did I…
Just then, a door opened and white light spilled into the room. A tall figure stepped out of the light and walked towards me. A big, round, object was in their hands. I slit my eyes to get a better view, but it made the headache more severe.
“Kitty, you are awake!” A voice mixed with worry and relief floated into my ears.
Startled, wheels started turning in my head. My dormant brain started working. Memories flooded me.
Huracio, that bastard!
Forgetting my plight, I tried to move. Getting as far as shrugging my shoulders, I gave up and my breathing turned ragged. It was just too hard.
“Stay still, kitty. Stay still.” He placed the basin in his hand on the bedside table, sat beside me, and held my hand.
Creeped out, I tried to speak, but my throat was scratchy and dry. I tried to move again, but every bit of energy I had got sapped away. Filled with grievance, I turned away, refusing to look at him.
“You are so hot.” He whispered worriedly, picked up his phone, and made a calls
“She is awake, come over.” He then placed his palm on my forehead.
“Kitty, you are finally awake. Why did you scare me like that?”
His guts! I wished I could pounce on him and tear him apart limb by limb.
He dipped a towel in the water, squeezed it, and started using it to wipe my body. It was cool and comfortable, making me moan in relief. I should thank him, but I refused to even look at him.
“I know you are angry.” He began in a solemn voice with no hint of aggression. “But it was your fault. If you had been obedient like I wanted, I wouldn’t have done that to you. I promise to make it up to you. Once you get better, I will return your phone and take you shopping, okay?”
I wanted to scoff but didn’t even have the strength. I had no choice but to let him wipe me clean while making empty promises. He said a lot of nice things except ‘I am sorry.’ Who wanted his apology anyway? Even if he knelt before me and hit his head on granite, I would never forgive him. I don’t think there is anyone I hated more than him on earth.
Just as he was cleaning my leg, the door opened and Rosa walked in carrying a food tray. Behind her was a grumpy-looking man, who looked like he needed to sleep.
“Katalina,” Rosa hurried over with a soft smile. She placed her palm on my forehead and nodded, sounding relieved. Our eyes met and I glared at her, willing her to remove her hand.
“Your fever has finally broken. That’s good.”
The doctor came over and he started touching me without saying anything. He checked my eyes, checked my breathing, and stuck a thermometer under my armpit. He wasn’t just grumpy, he was rude as fuck.
I was infuriated but couldn’t do anything about it. I was parched and tired. Wished they would just leave me alone.
“How is she?” Huracio asked once the Doctor was done.
“She is out of danger now. Just keep her on soft food and lots of water. She will be fine.”
“Thank you, doc,” Rosa said appreciatively. She then turned to me and patted my shoulder. “I heard you like chicken noodle soup. So, that’s what I made for you. Make sure to eat as much as possible.”
Once she was gone, Huracio walked over and smiled down at me.
“Kitty. You should eat something. You have been out for three days. You must be hungry. Let me feed you.”
Three Fucking days? How?
I was shocked.
He slid his arm under my back and propped me up so that I was sitting up and resting on half of his body.
The heavens knew I was infuriated, but too weak to move.
The tray Rosa brought had a soup bowl and some bread. Huracio soaked chunks of bread in the soup, scooped them up, and fed them to me.
I found the dunked bread disgusting and wanted to refuse, but I also knew that without food, I wouldn’t be able to regain my strength. The stronger I become, the quicker this charade will end.
I struggled to roll my eyes and took the food.
“Good girl.” He smiled, looking satisfied.
If only I could bury my fist in his face.