Chapter 5: Terrifying Sting
My consciousness abruptly awakened, but I didn’t move. I kept my breath steady, eyes closed, listening to the footsteps approaching from a distance. I could tell it was Sherry.
The hand under the blanket involuntarily clenched, and my palms were sweaty.
“Mrs. Brown!” she softly called out.
I didn’t respond, nor did I move.
The next moment, her hand jabbed my shoulder, with a force that felt a bit heavy. Fortunately, I was prepared, or I would have given myself away.
“Sleeping like death!” she murmured. Her voice was low, but it echoed in my ears like thunder, carrying disdain and disgust.
My thoughts cleared a bit. It seemed indeed to be Sherry.
But I never expected the horrifying scene that unfolded in the next instant, without giving me the slightest chance to react. A searing pain suddenly pierced my scalp, and I instinctively groaned, almost breaking character.
I tried hard to suppress it, moved my head a bit to show discomfort, but still pretended to be in a drowsy state without fully waking up.
Yet, my inner turmoil had reached its peak. Wretchedness, resentment, shock – a torrent of emotions overwhelmed me, and my tear ducts heated up. But I desperately clenched my teeth.
I finally understood why this sharp, needle-like pain had frequently occurred during this period, so vivid and yet so elusive. In my confused state, I had dismissed it as a symptom of being sick in my dreams.
Little did I know that this malicious act was happening in reality. No wonder the pain felt so real, lingering even after I regained consciousness.
Perhaps seeing that I still hadn’t awakened, the slaps resumed on my face. “Wake up! It’s time to take your medicine!”
Her voice, so different from its usual softness, now sounded eerie.
At this moment, I was completely bewildered, finding it almost impossible to believe.
Until the slaps on my face came again, and I realized I couldn’t feign sleep any longer.
I shifted my body, emitting a sigh as I slowly opened my eyes, gazing blankly outside. Inside, despair overwhelmed me as I wondered what had happened. How did Zhuo, who seemed gentle and honest, turn into a malicious witch?
Zhuo’s voice sounded again by my ear, now reverting to its original gentle tone. “Mrs. Brown, wake up. It’s time to take your medicine.”
“Mmm…” I sighed, collected my thoughts, and turned slowly, staring blankly at Sherry standing by the bed with misty eyes.
Our eyes met, and her smile stiffened for a moment. She then spoke softly, “Mrs. Brown, are you awake? Shall I help you sit up?”
I didn’t break eye contact but gazed deeper into her eyes until she grew a bit nervous. I sighed as if in distress and said, “Sherry, I’ve been thinking again. Do I have some kind of serious illness, and you all are hiding it from me?”
Her smile faltered as she casually arranged the blanket. “Mrs. Brown, you’re overthinking. Everyone will get sick; take some time to recover, and you’ll be fine.”
“But why do I feel worse day by day? I’m in a daze, almost sleeping my entire life away. Every day is just taking medicine and sleeping! Sherry, thank you for your hard work!”
“Madam, please don’t say that. It’s my job,” she said, looking at me. “Resting more will help with recovery. Don’t be impatient. I’ll go get your medicine; it’s most effective when consumed warm.”
After saying this, she turned and left. I slowly sat up, staring blankly in the direction she went, my hand touching the pricked scalp. I pondered quickly on how to avoid taking this dose.
As I withdrew my hand, I noticed a faint trace of blood on my fingertips. It was minimal but vividly red.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
I wiped it off expressionlessly.
Shortly after, Sherry returned with the medicine, briskly walking back and handing me the bowl. “Just right. Drink it while it’s hot!”
I responded with a faint “Mmm” and didn’t take the bowl. Instead, I raised my hand to the spot recently pricked by the needle and looked up at her. “Sherry, check this spot for me. It feels painful.”