Walter opened to awareness, his head leaden and his eyes unwilling to focus. The ceiling wobbled and solidified again as he let his face turn away from it. Beyond the curtains, too light, too warm, the sunlight poured in. He groaned and attempted to raise himself, pushing with one hand.
"Shit—" he cursed, gritting as a burning pain coursed through his bandaged hand and up his arm. His body trembled.
"Master Walter!"
Nearly that moment, the butler hurried in, obviously having been handy. He hurried to the bed and assisted Walter down gently.
"You shouldn't overexert yourself. Let me help you sit," he spoke softly but insistently.
Walter breathed nervously, sighing into the pillows. "I'm fine… need food," he muttered, his eyes cast downward as if he were too ashamed to admit it.
"Very well. I'll see what I can bring you to eat," the butler answered with a shaky smile.
Walter gasped, his face pale. "My head hurts."
