I doze for a couple hours, rising only when my guest grows restless on the bed. When I check on him, fever roses bloom on his cheeks yet again, and I prepare more tea.
Even though he never opens his eyes or shows any signs of consciousness, it’s easier to make him drink the tea this time. As soon as the liquid is in his mouth, he swallows on his own accord, as though he’s aware of me on some level.
Again, the effect of the tea is almost instantaneous, and I frown. Once, and I could easily believe I was imagining things. But twice?
No. It’s not my imagination. And come to think of it, the effect didn’t last as long as it usually does. Whenever I have a fever and drink the tea, I sleep for many hours after. The stranger lasted only a couple hours before the illness disturbed his rest agai
