“I’m very thirsty.” Her voice was a shaky whisper that barely reached his ears. “Will you please find me something to drink?”

“I’ll be right back, just try and relax.” He moved away from her and walked to the door, pausing briefly. Was he in seclusion too? Could he leave if it was to answer her needs? He was going to, she was thirsty and he was going to take care of her. So he opened the door and slipped out, casting a look back at her curled up form. There was ...