Chapter 399: A Child’s Eyes
"Sari," I said, lifting a weak, trembling hand and resting it on her head.
The soft sensation of her silky hair between my fingers, and the kitten-like fur of her ears put me at ease. She looked up at me with wide eyes and a slow smile spread across her face. Then, she closed her eyes and leaned into my touch, nuzzling me lovingly.
I smiled faintly and stoked her head for a few more seconds before taking my hand away. She had been so weak, emaciated, and scared when we saved her. It had taken months for me to get to the point where I would accept someone’s touch like I know offered her. Just how resilient was this child? Had she really recovered so quickly?
A slight frown replaced my smile at the thought, and I looked up at Elinore, who was busy preparing an ointment for my sunpurge. "Elinore, how long was...asleep?"
She grimaced as though she had been expecting the question. "The battle against the Justice Hero took place a little over two weeks ago. You woke a few times since then, but only long enough to eat a thing or two. I’m not surprised you don’t remember any of that."
"But you remember me, right?" Sari asked. Her ears twitched hopefully but drooped as I shook my head.
"I’m sorry, but I’m sure you were helpful," I said, glancing at Elinore.
She nodded. "It was like a spell had gone off. When we found you, Sari was sleeping as she normally did. I happened to mention your condition to Sarra, which she must have overheard. The next thing I knew, she was trying to sit up and said you needed her."
"Is that right?" I murmured.
Sari nodded emphatically. "You were sad. I waited here every day for you to wake up. Elinore said it was okay if I held your hand, so..." She blushed slightly and squeezed my hand. "So I did!"
Sari was still hurting. I could see it hidden in her eyes, a shadowy hollowness and pain she let show whenever she thought no one was looking. The Joys were not so easily forgotten. And yet...