PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 27: Rest

Carina's heart clenched as she saw Maya still asleep, her face peaceful in slumber. Carina gently approached the bed, her eyes scanning over every inch of Maya's sleeping form.

She reached out, gently taking Maya's hand in hers again, carefully avoiding the IV line.
———————————————————————————————————

Carina's fingers traced over Maya's wrist, feeling her pulse. It was steady, but slightly elevated. As Carina looked over Maya's tubes and monitors, she noticed a subtle change in her vitals.

She moved closer, gently pushing some loose hair back from Maya's face. "Bambina?" she whispered.

Maya stirred slightly at the sound of Carina's voice. Her eyelids fluttered, and a small grunt escaped her lips.

She opened her eyes slowly, her gaze bleary and unfocused for a moment. Then, she gradually focused on Carina's face, her eyes clearing with recognition.

Carina smiled, her heart lightening at the sight of Maya's open eyes. "Hey, you're awake."

She took a seat on the edge of the bed, her eyes never leaving Maya. "How are you feeling?"

Maya tried to speak, but it came out raspy and strained. She swallowed hard, wincing at the dryness in her throat.

"Parched..." she managed to whisper, her voice hoarse.

Carina gently shushed her. "Shhh... don't speak, you sound terrible."

She reached for a cup of water on the bedside table and held the straw to Maya's lips. "Here, sips."

Maya sipped weakly at the water, the cool liquid a relief against her dry throat. She managed to take a couple more sips before gently pushing the cup away.

She looked at Carina, her eyes still weary. "That's enough..." she said weakly.

Carina set the cup down, her hand automatically returning to smooth Maya's hair.

"You need to stay hydrated, bambina," Carina admonished gently, her tone warm and affectionate.

Maya closed her eyes, leaning into Carina's touch. The familiar feel of Carina's hand in her hair soothed her restless mind.

She grumbled softly, "I know... but it hurts."

Carina's heart ached at Maya's complaint. "I know, I know... "

She continued stroking Maya's hair, being careful to avoid pulling the IVs. "But you gotta keep drinking, okay? It's part of the healing process."

Maya let out a small sigh, her stubbornness showing even in her weakened state. "I hate being poked and prodded like a lab rat..."

She opened her eyes again, annoyance flaring. "And this damn IV itches."

Carina chuckled softly at Maya's complaint. Even in her current state, she was still fighting against the restrictions.

She reached out, gently patting Maya's hand. "I know, I know. But the doctors are just trying to help you. You need the fluids and the medication. And the itching is just the needle irritating the vein. It'll pass soon."

Maya grumbled again, knowing that Carina was right but not wanting to concede the point.

She looked at her IV with a frown, clearly itching it to pull the needle out. "Stupid needle... "

Carina noticed Maya's twitching hands and knew what she was contemplating.

With practiced ease, she grabbed Maya's fidgeting hand and held it firmly. "No, don't even think about it. You're not pulling that out. You need those fluids."