Gerald stirred, crabbing as his head pounded heavily. He felt drained of energy. He forced his eyes open with an effort to see the familiar roof of his shabby cottage.
A small hand with rough skin touched his forehead before he craned his neck to see Isabella's blurry face staring down at him.
"Gerald? Gerald?" She called his name worriedly.
Gerald blinked a couple of times to clear his vision. He found himself on the old mattress. His shirt was gone, and he felt sweaty too.
Isabella helped him to sit up when he pushed himself up, but his forehead creased in discomfort.
"Slowly." She placed a pillow behind his back for support as he leaned against the wall.
"Wh-what..." His throat was too dry that he broke into a cough when he tried to speak.
Isabella helped him to drink some water and rubbed his back until his coughing stopped. Gerald felt better now.
