Astrid returns with a tray.
Toast.
Eggs.
Orange juice.
Simple food that won't upset my stomach.
"Eat," she orders.
I manage half the eggs and a few bites of toast.
It's more than I've eaten in days.
"Better," Astrid says approvingly. "Tomorrow we try for the whole plate."
"Baby steps."
"Exactly."
We sit in silence for a while, then the door opens and Gunnar appears.
He looks tired.
Dark circles under his eyes.
Stubble he hasn't bothered to shave.
But when he sees me sitting up, eating, something in his expression eases.
"Hey." He crosses to the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. A little." I glance at Astrid. "My sister force-fed me."
"Someone had to," Astrid says without apology. "She's been starving herself."
"I haven't been starving myself. I just wasn't hungry."
"Same thing."
Gunnar's lips twitch.
Almost a smile.
"Thank you," he says to Astrid. "For being here."
"Where else would I be? She's my baby sister." Astrid stands, stretches. "But I should go check in with Geirolf. Let him know she's okay." She leans down, kisses my forehead. "Call me if you need anything. Day or night. I mean it."
"I will."
She squeezes Gunnar's shoulder on her way out.
Then it's just us.
He sits on the edge of the bed.
Takes my hand.
