"…How is she now?" Leonardo asked again, this time his voice a little lower, a little tighter.
The maid, still standing nearby, quickly replied, "She's fine now, Master. The doctor said it was a mild fever caused by exhaustion and stress. Her temperature has gone down, but she's still weak. He advised full rest."
Leonardo gave a small nod and then flicked his fingers gently, signaling her to leave.
She bowed her head and stepped out quietly, closing the door behind her.
The room returned to silence.
Leonardo turned and walked slowly toward the bed, his footsteps soft against the carpet. The closer he got, the clearer he saw her face—flushed from fever but no longer burning. Her brows were slightly furrowed, her lips parted just a little as she breathed. She still clutched her plush bunny to her chest like it was a shield.
Just as he reached the edge of the bed—
Her eyes suddenly opened.
Wide. Alert. Slightly glassy from sleep but awake.
