28

After I put on the dress and tights Nadia left on the chair for me, I wash my face in the guest bathroom down the hall. It takes me more time than necessary since I have to stop every now and then due to the pain in my shoulder. Once I deem myself presentable enough, I go to meet the old couple. Like last night, Nadia doesn’t allow me to help and, instead, gives me some medication. The shot, too, of course. I nearly cry waiting for the ordeal to be over. “You’ve improved so fast,” Nicholas comments as he begrudgingly lets me help him in setting the table. “She’s young and strong,” Nadia replies while bringing some toast. “I think the will is everything.” He smiles at me as my uncle would. “You definitely have a strong will, young lady. Protect it with everything you have.” “My father told me to stay alive. Everything else can be fixed as long as I’m alive,” I say and resist the tears that well in my eyes. “Those are wise words,” Nicholas says. I wish he’d been wise enough to stay alive