Aren opened his eyes, half-expecting to be within that unfinished painting-like world once more.
But instead, he was met with warmth. Though it took him a moment to understand that the warmth came from his hands. Well, there were two of them. One wrapped tightly around his own while the other pressed lightly against his arm.
The ceiling above wasn't a ceiling at all, just a stretched canvas roof supported by temporary beams.
He turned his head over to see his little sister, calmly resting on the bedside.
Her hair was tied back sloppily except for a few loose strands. Her eyes were swollen and red that she didn't even try to hide. The moment she saw his movements her breath hitched so loudly it almost sounded painful.
"Aren! You're awake!"
She leaned over and wrapped both arms around his shoulders immediately, hugging him with enough force to remind his body of the pain from earlier.
