And she was even still stroking the little sparrow fondly, smiling down at it.
"Wh-what —? The…? Huh…?" Abrial stammered. Her breathing puffed erratically from running and the pain in her hands and side stung painfully. She fought to pull the pain under control.
The woman seemed to notice her at last. Her dark eyes sparkled with laughter.
"So," she chuckled, "You're back already! Impressive. I thought it would take you at least two hours to return in your condition, but it seems you're an expert at pushing through pain at the expense of your body. Admirable! And extremely irresponsible. That'll come back to bite your ankles, too."
Abrial found herself glaring at the woman. Her lip curled into a scowl. Leaning down to press on her knees and gasp deep, wheezing breaths, Abrial retorted,
"You talk…like you know me, lady! That's annoying! You don't even know…who I am!"
