Waking up with a headache was quickly becoming an everyday experience with Dale. Part of him wished he could just remain unconscious for the rest of forever, but knowing that wouldn't really solve his problems, he forced himself to open his eyes and lift his head. His surroundings had changed yet again.
This room was smaller, containing only the cot he lay on, a metal stool, and some type of latrine in a corner. As he sat up more, every muscle he moved complained. The pain brought spots to his vision, forcing him to lower himself back down. Moaning half from the pain and half from the discouragement which had more deeply settled into his heart, he put his hands to his face and tried to force himself to wake up from this nightmare. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, it seemed this really was his reality.
Dale closed his eyes and tried to lull himself to sleep, hoping that next time he woke up the soreness and headache would be diminished. Despite feeling like he hadn't slept in days, his mind refused to let go. The constant fear that next time he woke up, things would only be worse kept him very awake.
After ten or so minutes, footsteps came his direction. Dale sat up a little bit, trying not to focus on the pain. The sound of the door unlocking put him on edge, causing him to lift himself all the way into the sitting position despite his body's protests. He gripped the edges of the cot, scared as to what horrors awaited him next.
His hands relaxed slightly as Kelly entered the room. She was carrying a tray, which caused another mini panic attack as Dale remembered that her specialty was healing and potions, things which crossed over easily into the "cause a person pain" area.
She looked him up and down. "You look like crap."
"Thanks," he replied, his voice hoarse.
The combination of his appearance and near inability to speak softened her gaze. "I've brought you something to eat," she said as she pulled the stool over to his bed. Kelly moved the cover from the tray, revealing a plate of meat, bread, and vegetables. A glass of blue tinged liquid sat near the utensils and napkin.
Dale eyed it suspiciously. "Isn't this a little nice for a traitor slash prisoner?"
Kelly rolled her eyes. "Relax. You haven't hit rock bottom yet, though I will say word around the bunker is that you're close. The boss, however, is insistent that we give you reasonable accommodations and ensure you stay healthy for the time being."
"Ah, I guess it's more fun to torture the strong." He responded cooly.
"It's not torture."
Dale actually found it in himself to laugh. "You do know what torture is right?"
"It's not like she's hurting you just to hurt you or to extract information. She's just trying to help you become better, more willing to do what you're supposed to do. It only hurts if you resist."
"So I guess you've had your own experience with the boss and being tied up?" Dale asked, already knowing the answer.
The woman looked away from him, the hurt of the memories crossing across her face. "Just eat, okay." She shoved the tray towards him. Dale considered refusing it, going on a hunger strike to see if that would have any impact. However, the aroma of a home cooked meal hit him harder than expected, his hands automatically reaching out to accept the meal.
The tray wasn't heavy, but just holding on to it caused his arms and hands to shake with exertion. Wincing, Dale set the tray in his lap, surprised at how winded such a simple action made him.
Kelly studied him through this, pity on her face. "Let me help you with that."
"It's alright. I'm not a complete invalid yet," he replied, grabbing the fork. He quickly released it as pain shot through his arm.
She shook her head. "Remember, I've been through this. I know exactly how you're feeling right now. Jazia had to feed me. It's annoying, but I promise it's better than struggling through it yourself."
Without further argument from Dale, she lifted the tray and helped him lean against a wall, the motion causing him to wince even with her guidance. She then pulled the stool closer and set the tray into her own lap, using the fork to cut the meat into bite size chunks.
The two continued without speaking as he ate, avoiding the awkwardness of the situation. After Dale finished off everything on the plate, he looked towards the glass.
"What's the blue stuff?"
Kelly smiled. "I saved it for last because it's meant to help ease your pain."
Dale stared at her quizzically. "Why would you save that for the end? It might have been nice to feed myself."
The woman didn't say anything as she lifted the drink to his mouth. His hand instinctively reached up to help steady the cup. The liquid tasted divine as it slid down his throat, causing him to drink the entire contents in one go.
"That's something else," he said, making no effort to describe the pleasure and contentment he felt.
"Just wait." Kelly winked as she returned the glass to the tray and set it on the ground. Standing, she then grabbed Dale and gently lowered him back down on the cot. He tried to ask why, but found himself incapable of saying anything as feeling through his body slowly decreased. The strange part was that he wasn't panicking. Of course they drugged him. He would have laughed if he could.
His companion placed a hand on his shoulder. She was saying something, but the words didn't process as unconsciousness once again returned.