Chapter 20

I was startled, not expecting that a single movement would make Sophia realize I was already awake. I opened my eyes and looked at her, feeling awkward and unsure of what to say. She glanced at me, her eyes turning red. "Do you know how worried everyone has been while you were unconscious for so many days? And yet you pretended to be asleep!" I opened my mouth, and my voice came out hoarse. "I just woke up." She didn't dwell on my earlier pretense, quickly getting up to pour me a cup of warm water. "Sit up and drink some water." As she said this, she seemed to realize something, lowering her head to press a button on the bedside panel. She adjusted the bed's angle according to my needs and then stopped the controls, asking with concern, "Is the angle too high?" I shook my head lightly, finding it hard to believe she could be so gentle and considerate toward me. When I didn't respond, a hint of nervousness appeared on her face. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" "No." I m