I slip quietly into our tiny cottage, peeking into Mother's room as I tiptoe to my own. Her candle is doused and I can't see much from the sliver of moonlight through her window. I don't want to disturb her rest, she hardly gets any these days, so I vow to check on her immediately in the morning.
Stepping into my room, I hang my shawl on the corner of the bed and change into my sleep clothes, relieved to be crawling into bed after the gruesome day I've had.
*****
The rooster crows entirely too early for my satisfaction. I roll over, throwing the pillow over my head, but he sounds again, closer to my window. I hardly slept, the late hour of my return my own bane.
Rolling out of bed, I put on my robe and shuffle to Mother's room. The sun streams through her window, pale yellow light warming the covers. My hand reflexively touches her forehead. The fever is gone. Her hair too, thin and gray just yesterday, is thicker, the natural auburn color returning. Her taut face is growing rounder, a healthy shape taking form. The crusts around her eyes have disappeared. To my sincerest relief, her eyes open, hazel like my own, and see me clearly. There's no cloudiness in her pupils now.
I grab her hand, the meat thickening around her bones. "Oh, Mother. How do you feel?" Tears well in my eyes, threatening to fall. I've never been a crier, but my joy is overwhelming.
"I feel...," Her voice trails off. She smacks her lips together, licking them a few times. "I feel good."
"Have you got a headache? Sore throat?"
She shakes her head. "Nothing, my child." The longer she looks at me, the healthier she becomes, right before my eyes. It's exactly as Kailan said. I'll forget all about her suffering. She looks pristine already, not like an invalid waiting for Death.
The tears escape and I crumple into Mother's lap. "Oh, how I've missed you! I'm so happy you're all right."
"Cara, my child, how is this possible?"
"Never mind that. Can you rise? Walk around a bit?"
She frowns. "Cara, tell me."
"I brewed an experimental remedy. Now, please, try to walk."
Mother looks me in the eye for a long moment. I know she's trying to catch my lie so I meet her square without backing down. A deep sigh and she throws the blanket aside. "How are the animals?"
"Happy and healthy, all of them. I think Betsy is about to have her foal. The chickens are still producing enough eggs to keep money on the table and food in our bellies."
"I didn't know Betsy was pregnant."
"You've been ill a long time, Mother. I know I told you before but the fever must've wiped your memory."
She nods, walking out into the main room with unsteady legs. I think it's because she's becoming accustomed to using them again, now that she has her energy back. "Why are all these dishes stacked up? Heavens, child, can't you clean up after yourself?"
"Forgive me, Mother. The day gets exhausting after doing all my chores and maintaining your health."
"You said you brewed me a remedy for my illness."
"Yes, I did."
"These dishes look to have been here for a few days, yet none of them resemble any herbal concoctions."
"Ah, well--"
She throws a bowl onto the floor. "Enough, Cara! What did you do? I was at Death's door last night, I was ready to die, and yet here I am this morning with the ability to walk around my home again. So tell me true, child. What did you do?"