My eyes wouldn't stay open, so for days - weeks? - it was easier to keep them closed. Every once in a while, I heard voices murmuring and even laughter. Gibby, I thought, and Archer. Of course he would win her over in a heartbeat. Warmth from a hand, a fleeting touch, grazed my cheek or smoothed my hair, and sometimes a little wet nose or tongue would almost coax me out of this deep sleep. I wanted to wake up, but I was so warm, so relaxed.

"Are you hungry?" Lager's wife ...