NINE

Knock knock…..

My eyes sprang open at once on hearing the subtle sound of someone knocking at the door, I don’t know when or how, but it seemed I had somehow made it to the bed and fallen asleep. I head felt fuzzy and my eyes were heavy and almost painful, they had this dull ache in them that had me squinting and groaning quietly.

I pulled myself together before sitting up slowly. The room had darkened considerably and I couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would want to wake me when it was already dark. The knock sounded again and I forced myself to climb out of bed, my head throbbed even more with every step I took towards the door, and I was glad when I finally got to it and unlocked it.

Mildred stood there; she offered me a warm smile which I tried my best to reciprocate. However, I’m certain I looked exhausted and pitiful even.

“Good evening Ma’am”. She greeted.

“Good even….”. I stopped to clear my raspy voice before trying again. “Good evening, Mildred”.

Her warm eyes softened