Relief flooded her features as she closed the distance between them in a few hurried steps, her footsteps almost unsteady from the rush of emotion.
"Esme," Helga breathed, her voice a blend of relief and frustration. She dropped to her knees at the side of the bed, carefully setting the glass down on the bedside table before grabbing Esme's hand. "You're awake."
Esme, her voice still a bit weak, managed a faint smile. "Looks like I've become quite fragile," she murmured, her usual strength undercut by the lingering fatigue.
Without missing a beat, Helga reached up and knocked her knuckles gently against Esme's forehead, a soft reprimand. "Fool," she said quietly, the words filled with affection and worry. "Never do that again."
