I stood against the wall taking deep breaths wondering what I should do. I need to do my chores, it's my duty as a wife to take care of the house for Saizo. I nodded to myself, determined to begin my chores. I balanced back onto my feet and stood up straight. I breathed heavy but slowly as I took a single step. Nothing happened. I took another step.. still fine. Okay, I can do this. My pace became normal and soon I was back into the bedroom.

"Easy!" I exclaimed to myself. I approached the closet and grabbed out a broom and a rag to clean up the mess I had made in the hallway. I retraced my steps back out but fell face first onto the floor. Ow. I tired to open my eyes but everything was blurry and my vision grew dark.

When I woke up I found myself in the futon. There was no light from outside, it was already night time and I didn't get a single thing done! Saizo will surely be upset with me! I sprang my torso right up but made myself lightheaded in the process.

"Ow!" I cried, grabbing my head.

"Be careful." Came a voice.

"Saizo!" I gasped. "I am so sorry! I don't know what happened, one minute I was fine and then I was-"

"No need to explain. I saw the mess in the hallway and I got worried. I thought someone had came into the house and there was a struggle, and then I found you in here laying on the floor... Don't worry I cleaned up the mess."

I threw my arms around him. He wasen't mad he was worried about me, that's so kind of him. I began to wonder just how long I was passed out for. Saizo is usually gone for hours during the day and doesn't come home till late in the afternoon. I wasen't even sure of the time now, I hope it wasen't too late.

"Would you like me to make you supper?" I asked politely. He shook his head.

"No. I can make myself something. You just stay here and rest."

And with that comment, he exited the room and left me alone. I laid myself back down into the futon and turned onto my side. I wonder what got into me earlier. This has never happened to me before in my entire life! I wasen't tired, I slept good the night before. I don't feel sick either, maybe I'm just now coming down with something. What if this keeps me from doing my work tomorrow!? Then I'll really be behind on my chores. Saizo may forgive me for a day but not for anything more than that. I sighed heavily. Even after being asleep all this time I am still feeling lightheaded. I let my eyes close to rest but ended up falling back asleep.

Later that night, Saizo woke me. He was shirtless and ready to retire for the night. He placed a glass of water next to me and cupped my forehead with his palm. "Hmmm.."

"What is it?" A asked, puzzled.

"You don't have a fever." he responded.

"I don't feel sick, just dizzy."

"Here, have this. I brought this for you." He demanded, putting the cup to my lips. I carefully took a sip and smiled at him.

"Thank you."

Placing the cup next to me, he crawled on top of me and plopped himself onto his side of the futon. Thanks, Saizo. Just roll right over me! I turned to look at him and he had his eyes closed.

"You're always getting into some kind of trouble."

"I am not fit to be a wife." I complained, disappointed in myself.

"You're not fit to be a ninja either."

Wow, thanks for cheering me up! He didn't even deny it, maybe I am a horrible wife? He's never said anything about it before.

"I'm sorry!" I shouted as a began crying into my hands. I feel useless right now!

"Calm down, you're getting yourself worked up about nothing!"

I felt him pinching me on my cheek. He's always had an odd way of showing me affection, but I loved that he does that. I stopped crying and rolled to my side to face him and he placed his warm hand upon my face, pushing the hair out of my face and wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Listen." He said sternly. "Don't worry about the chores tomorrow. I will stay home with you and-"

I interrupted him.

"No! No! No! You can't stay home, Saizo! You are a far too busy man, you have important things to take care of!"

"Don't argue with me woman, I am saying I'm staying home and that's that."

I nodded, biting my lower lip.

"Now, tomorrow you will rest and I will call for the doctor."

"But, Saizo-"

"And that's that." He repeated again, pushing me back down onto the futon. He pulled me close to him and wrapped his arm around me, holding me as tight as he could. Before I knew it he had fallen asleep and feeling calm and warm in my husbands arms, I soon followed.

(Go to chapter 4)