Before we fall

(Chp.7) As Silent as a Mouse

Tw: slight gore, unrealistic a bit
3 weeks after the fight.

Karl woke up to the bitter cold of the house nipping at his fingertips, the freezing tempatures all around him seeping into his core and there was no fire going! He went to stand up when he was hit with a naustating wave of exhaustion and pain, he remembered! Last night there was- Pablim and, and Robin and, who? GC! His eye darted over to find GC on the other side of the sofa, still wrapped up in the quilt Pablim had put her in, it was brown and patchworked- covered in blood, dry blood. Just how long had Karl been asleep?

Karl put his hand to his head, obviously however long he'd been out wassent enough time for his wounds to heal. He stood up once more, slowly this time- making his way over to the brick fire place, it seemed to be already to start! He pondered on weather or not that was Pablim's doing. None the less Karl accepted the small gesture of kindness after the massacre he was put through and lit the fire, watching as warm tones of red and oranges flared up- raising the tempature in the room slightly and creating a nice, calming crackling noise.

He sat back down in a daze, he would need a minut or two befor he could get up to retrieve himself a glass of water. In the meantime he looked over at GC, if he'd been out for this long- how long is she going to be out for? He remembered what Pablim told him; still, he couldent help but worry. She looked frail and sickly- he supposed it was from the lack of food and blood in her system. he would just have to wait till she awoke to adress any of thoose issues.

Karl dident mean to, but within a few short minuts he sat on the couch he had completly fallen asleep again. It was what's best for him, even if he dident trust his surroundings enough to slumber with comfort. However, his weakened state disagreed with himself for he had passed out cold, not to wake up for another week.

Another week passed

Karl jolted up from his sleeping position with haste, looking over to see the fire somehow still blazing? He must've not been out for too long then- right? Still, even if it had just been a half an hour the fire would have gone out- there was only a single log! Something wassent right.

Karl slowly stood up once more, finding it easier for himself to do so now that he had rested further. He looked over to find GC carelessly asleep in the same position he's last seen her in- he began to walk to the kitchen with caution. Shakily grabbing a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water previously collected from the well. He opened the door to the icebox, finding the block of ice almost complelty melted- he had been asleep for weeks! He shut the ice box in shock, unaware of what to do- sitting down at the kitchen table, slowly sipping his water in hopes it would clear his head.

The house was completly silent with only the gentle noises of the crickets chirping in the cold night air. Suddenly, there was a stir- which was followed by a small groan that was instantly fillied with the sounds of regret. Karl looked over to see GC finally awake! She was also now realising that her voice was completly shot.

"Gc, don't talk it'll only reopen your wound. Do you remember what happened?" Karl spoke softly as he made his way over to the couch, kneeling down to get on GC's level- helping her to sit up he kept a firm hand on her back, to which she needed a moment to respond. GC only responded to Karl's question with a simple nod, understanding the situation she was in.

"Good, I'll bring you some water- sit still till I get back or your banges will break loose- they're looking awful frail." As Karl spoke he slid his hand out from behind her back, standing up fully he began to head twords the kitchen- getting another glass of water, for GC this time. When he brought it back, GC consumed every last droplet of the liquid given to her within a matter of seconds, some of it escaping her lips and dribbling down her front. Being in a nonwavering unconscious state for so long really does take a toll on one's body. Karl was about to protest, alerting the little girl that she still needed room to breath when he noticed she had already finished the drink. She signed and took the glass from her hands, setting it upon the coffee table befor alerting her of his plans.

"Alright well, I'll take you up to your room. I know you've just woken up but it's dreadfully late, let's at least wait to discuss this untill the 'morrow." Karl spoke soothingly, trying to dull any fear still lingering in the child as he picked her up, almost cradling her in the confines of his pale and skinny arms, she remained loosely wrapped in the patchwork quilt that Pablim had originally given her so he dident have to fully touch her whilst carrying her to safety. He carried her up the stairs, making sure to be careful with each creaky step taken.

Eventually he reached the door to the bedroom he was going to give to the little girl if she decided to stay with him, doubting she had much of a choice now he had officially claimed it as hers. Karl adjusted her in his arms so he could freely open the door- walking inside he placed her down on the tall, dusty bed. Karl never had visitors or guests so the bedrooms upstairs often went unused for years at a time, leaving them rather dusty and unkept. Covering her with other blanket that was left on the bed as it was extremely cold in her room, he whispered a small goodnight and silently left the room- clicking the door shut behind him. Karl walked further down the old hall, decided to sleep in the closest free bed- rather than his own. He was also emotionally and physically exhausted from the battle taken place, though he tried to act strong for GC- he wassent used to caring for anybody but he still wanted to do a good job. He plopped down on the stiff mattress with a heave as he slowly blinked, falling out of consciousness. With a elongated yawn he thought one last thing befor falling into a slumber only to be petrified with nightmares and horrors.

I wonder if I'll ever be able to see through my left eye again...

Word count 1150