ELLA

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Claire’s voice called out, and I opened my eyes.

“How long have I been asleep?” I asked and sat up as she rolled the chair back to her table.

“Long enough,” came the reply. “I see you enjoyed the soup; I brought some more—and some news.”

“What news? Good or bad?” I asked, and she shrugged.

“That’s dependent on how you take it,” came the reply, and I braced myself for the worst.

“I don’t think this is going to be good,” I muttered, and she chuckled.

“I’m feeling a little under the weather, and while I have it under control, I feel like continuing the process...