Red Blooded

Chapter 22 - Re-awakening

Unedited. 

My body was already awake long before my eyes were open. I could feel my senses alerting me to the light that poured in gently from the ceiling to floor windows. The rays crept into the room until they reached my bed and bathed my toes in warm light first before making its way up my body. Time escaped me. My mind seemed to escape the reality of the concept altogether, but that didn't stop me from wondering how long I had slept for. Seven hours, maybe more? Probably a lot more, judging by the stiffness of my limbs. Still, I felt calm, more so than I had in a very, very long time. It was a good feeling. My toes stretched, pointing downwards. My arms escaped the covers and widened, almost as if I was welcoming another day. I moaned in pleasure. It felt good to stretch out. God only knew I didn't have much time to do that. In fact lately, I felt as if I barely had a moment's thought to myself. 

In any case, even if I could enjoy just another hour in bed, my request would always be denied. I knew that the call of my bladder was a power stronger than coffee. My bladder could get me out of bed when all else failed.

I sighed, opening my eyes cautiously to the rays that shone in. Normally, it wasn't a massive effort to get out of bed. In the last eleven months, I found myself sleeping lighter and lighter every time my eyes closed. But today? Today felt like I had woken from the best night's sleep in a long while.  I sat up, smiling like a fool for no apparent reason. My limbs felt stiffer than normal but it was a worthy price to pay to feel well rested. I lay back against the head board and stared over the vista through the ceiling to floor windows. The cloudless sky gave more than enough room for the sun to sit proudly over Central Park. I breathed in heavily, staring at possibly one of the best views to wake up to. I would have easily whiled away the rest of the day like this. 

But you can't. You have to pee. 

Of course. 

With careful movements, I got out of bed and walked lazily to my bathroom. The warmth of the air around me caressed my shoulders, making me feel calm and relaxed. After peeing came the usual stuff: shower, brushing my teeth and so on. The pace of my morning routine was slow, if not slower than normal, so it was only when I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, naked, that it hit me. I had grown accustomed to the bruising that marked my body since my diagnosis. Even though the dark purples and reds of fresh bruising marked my skin, I was used to the sight of them. In fact, I barely even thought of them. 

But now...

I reached out and placed a hand on the cool surface of the mirror to rub away the condensation. With ever stroke, my body became more visible in the reflection. My eyes squinted in confusion, my head tilted, and I looked at my reflection as I withdrew my hand and placed it over my torso. Soft fingers trailed over the patchy skin; my stomach tensed as I did so. The bruises - they were no longer dark, no longer red or purple. They were either yellow or they appeared to have faded. 

You're healing?  But...how?

I can't heal without my wolf, and clearly I'm alive so I know I haven't transitioned!

How else would you explain the lack of bruising? 

I was stumped. I couldn't explain it. I had no explanation as to how dark bruising could have faded in just one day. I hadn't done anything different the day before, apart from escort my niece home, hold a truce with the pack and come home. Hayden was here. He was sitting on the couch next to me whilst I lay back awkwardly because of my broken...rib...  My head bowed immediately as I raised a cautious hand to just beneath my chest. My breathing had become obnoxiously loud but in that moment, I felt it to be the only sound that could console me. My forefinger pressed carefully against the skin that had bruised severely when the break happened. I cringed, anticipating pain... but none came. With my body still tense, I pressed even harder against the bone, this time using my index and ring finger.