Choices

Please

Alric's Pov (Three weeks later)

Ever since Animila passed out during her visit, she seemed so different.

She barely talks. Her eyes seem dead. They always seem so unfocused. She moves like she has no energy. And worst of all, she is not eating.

It's a miracle she lasted three weeks without eating. I guess her being a hybrid and the prophecy really helps. But I don't know how long she's going to last. And to be honest I don't want to find out.

I've tried everything. I even brought the group to her room. All she did was look at them once and answer them with one word. I've tried different food. I've tried making fruits in liquid form but she didn't drink it.

I talk to her but I get one word. And even that seems like it hurts her.

I have no idea what's wrong with her. What could affect her so bad and appear so quick?

I head to her room with another plate of food. Another try to get her to eat.

I enter her room and I see her sitting up slightly in her bed. looking frail. She turns toward me slowly.

"Hello Animila." I say.

I walk towards her and rest her food down.

"How are you today?" I ask.

"Good." She replies.

I know it's a lie. She doesn't look or sound good.

"Do you want to eat today?" I ask.

"No." She answers.

"Please Animila." I say.

"No" She repeats.

"Why not?" I ask.

"No." She says again.

I pull her blanket back. For the first time in three weeks I get a good look at her full body. Her body is skinnier. Her hair wraps around like a second blanket. It looks like one touch can break her.

I feel a tremble crawl up my spine. I didn't know it was this bad.

"Animila this is not healthy. You have to eat. Please you're sick and you're making yourself worse." I say grabbing her hand lightly.

"No." Animila says.

"STOP IT ANIMILA!" I shout.

I feel tears stroll down my face.

"You're sick. Please. I can't stand to see you like this. You're too strong for this. You're not a hollow shell. You can't do this. I rather you kill me than make me watch you sicken like this. You're suffering and we both know it." I say.

"Alric." She says.

"Please Animila. Please. If you don't do it for me please do it for them. For yourself. Please. I don't want to see you like this anymore." I say holding her in my arms.

I cry holding her. I don't care how pathetic that looks, I just want her to get better.

"Don't cry." Animila says.

The last time she said those words was when she almost died.

"I'll eat. I'll eat everyday. I'll get better. Don't cry." Animila says.

That's the most she's spoken. She hugs me back. My crying slows down and soon I stop. I pull away and look at her. Her purple eyes shows weakness. I see flecks of red in her eyes. Maybe it's a sign of the sickness.

Animila picks up the food. I see her arms shake.

"Can you help me please?" She asks.

I nod. Luckily I brought pasta today. Easier to eat. I pick up the fork and twirl the pasta on it. I bring it to her mouth and she eats it. Slowly but surely.

She will get better though. I will make sure of that.