Draikis was true to his word, and Ella’s healing body was soon put to the test. The very next day, in fact.
“Take my arm. We are getting you out of bed.”
It was unexpected. She could reach her table, and moving around was no longer painful, but she hadn’t gotten to her feet since her arrival.
“Are-are you sure?”
“What? You don’t trust me?”
“I didn’t say that. It’s just?—”
“Less talking, more moving. You can do this.”
“I know I can,” she bluffed. “It’s just I need to take it slow.”
“Go as slow as you like. But the healers are in agreement. You are ready. More than ready. Movement at this stage will help you. Blood flow. Respiration. Not to mention how load bearing will further mend your bones.”
“I told you, I get it. I just need a second here.”
“Very well.One. Now, let’s go.”
“Ha-ha. So funny.”
“I thought so. But seriously we need to get started. No time like the present, and I have a feeling you will perform better than the healers anticipate.”
“Hang on. You’re saying they don’t think I’ll do well?”
He shrugged. “Not exactly. They merely seem to be of the opinion that you will still require a bit of work. Something about your race healing fast but appearing slower to rebound in some ways.”
“Oh, really?” she shot back, grabbing his arm harder than either anticipated, pulling herself out of the bed and gingerly onto her feet. “We’ll see about that.”
“Apparently, we will. How do you feel?”
“Like I was hit by a truck. Or a planet, is more like it.”
He stared at her silently, his lone, raised brow speaking more than words could.
“Ugh. Fine. I actually feel pretty good. A bit wobbly and weaker than normal, but not much, surprisingly.”
“As is to be expected. A minor muscle stimulation field was projected onto your bed these last few weeks. Helping your muscles retain strength rather than atrophy as you recovered once your bones had started to knit. In fact, you should be able to walk short distances once your balance returns. And your wind, of course. Your lungs are healed after the smoke inhalation, but it can still take time to restore cardiovascular fitness. They figure it will be another week before you’re ready for that sort of rehabilitation.”
“Oh, they do, do they? Then let’s get started.”
“Are you sure?”
“No time like the present, you said.”
“Using my words against me. I’ll have to be more careful what I say around you.”
“Good boy. He’s learning. Now, where are you taking me? A grand tour of the compound, perhaps?”
“Let’s start simple, shall we? We’ll walk to the garden just outside. Sunlight will do you good, and there are plenty of places to sit.”
“You think I can’t keep up?”
“I think you would try to even at your own expense. This isn’t a competition, Ella. Just come with me and take your time. No one expects you to be running sprints on your first day out since your crash.”
“Fine. We’ll save the foot race for later,” she quipped. “Lead the way.”
