My body ached. Each breath I exhaled weighed my body down, down into...some kind of unstable surface. Whatever it was, it hugged around my body, as if dissolving me inside. The texture scratched a little, but...it was very comforting.

One eye at a time, my surroundings were exposed to me. My head lay to the side, and I saw a brown, dirt wall, lined with shelves or books, and bottles, none of which I could recognise. Closer to me was a small table with a large bowl of water and a cloth. Most probably for washing.

I moved my head, slowly towards my right. There, far away was an unmade bed, and right beside me, was a familiar looking boy, leaning on a cabinet, eyes closed, slow, deep breaths. Tintin.

I found my hand in his at my side. I squeezed it and watched as his eyes flattered open, a smile brightening his face. "H-hello" I crooked.

"Hello." His voiced hummed with warmth and comfort. We just looked into each others eyes, I felt enchanted. With his other hand, he reached up and gently brushed away a stray hair before bringing his hand round to cup my cheek. His rough skin tickled at his light touch.

Nothing seem to matter now. I felt so happy now. So safe.

When was the last time I felt like this...I felt like...like I was...

I don't know.

I just don't want it to leave me.

After a while, Tintin finally broke the moment by whispering "I thought you wouldn't wake up so soon."

"How long were you waiting there?"

"I woke sometime early morning, a doctor had check me and you. I asked when you would wake and he said maybe later today or tomorrow. I was waiting for you to wake."

I smiled. "That's awfully sweet of you."

"I wanted to be the first to see you."

"I'm glad it's you."

We stared a little longer before Tintin offered to fetch some water. As he poured it, I heaved up my body to sit. I got a better view of the room.

It was roomy, and rather empty also. Two more bed lay on the opposite side of the room. A window...or more like a hole in the wall allowed patches of sunlight to bathe the room, filling it with a lighter, golden tinge. Dirt and sand dusted the floors. We must still be near the desert.

Where are we. How did we get here...The Captain...

"T-Tintin?"

"Mmmm" He replied, a concerned look crossing his expression as he walked over, a glass in his hand.

"How-no where are we...why?"

While passing me the glass, which I took, taking small sips, he explained. "We were unconscious in the desert, and Snowy, he ran to find help. It was only when night fall came did we get discovered. We were brought back to this post." I nodded and realised that already, I finished my glass of water. Tintin smiled. "Here, let's get you up and cleaned. I hate to rush the recovery, but we still have a ship to find."

I grinned at that. "I have a feeling that this adventure is far from over."

"Indeed."

Tintin helped me up and walked me over to the bowl I saw earlier. He dampened the cloth and started washing my face. I giggled at the cool feeling the water gave. He laughed too. "Here, if I can't do it properly, you can." He said in defeat.

I took the cloth and washed myself properly while Tintin darted out of the room briefly. After washing, I found a hair tie around my wrist. Relieved, I started to french braid my now greasy hair back, out of the way. A knock at the door sounded and I said for them to come in.

It was Tintin, and in his arms hung my clothes. It was then I realised that I was actually wearing a plain white gown, made of a thick rough material.

"Thought you might like these back. The doctor had taken the liberty in washing them."

"Thank...you" I felt grateful to have clean clothes, but a little crept out that someone changed my clothes.

"I'll...um..be outside." I nodded and when Tintin left, I began to get changed.