Junior stirred awake slowly, his eyelids heavy as he blinked against the soft sunlight streaming into the room. The familiar surroundings of his room came into focus—the wooden walls, the faint smell of herbs in the air, and the comfort of his own bed beneath him.
Turning his head slightly, he spotted Emma sitting beside his bed on a small wooden chair, her head resting on the edge of his bed, fast asleep. Her auburn hair was slightly disheveled, and her chest rose and fell gently with each breath.
Junior tried to move his arm, but he felt something warm and soft holding it down. He craned his neck slightly, wincing at the stiffness in his muscles, and looked down to see Emma's hand gripping his. Her small fingers were wrapped tightly around his, as if she hadn't let go for hours.
Carefully, Junior attempted to lift his upper body, but a sharp pain coursed through him, making him groan loudly. "Ouch..." he hissed, lying back down.
