Orn woke up early and started getting dressed when it occurred to him that he was not exhausted. Usually, he would be feeling tired by the time he finished, but now he felt fine. He stood still for a moment to think back on how strange his life had been to that point. His thoughts were interrupted by the door opening.

Olivia walked in. She gave him a quick once over, before nodding in approval. “If you are ready for breakfast, we can head to the dining room. Your parents should be there in a few minutes.”

Orn nodded and started towards the door. Olivia fell in step closely behind him, as she always did. Years of suddenly collapsing had made this their habit. He would try his best and Olivia would be there to catch him when he inevitably collapsed.

He was almost to the dining room door when he saw Olivia reaching past him.

“I have it.” He looked back to see Olivia looking worried. “I just want to try.” He was trying to ease her concern, but the worried look in her eyes made it clear his efforts had failed.

He took a step forward and began to push on the door. Heavy! Placing both hands on the door he put his weight against the door. Pushing with all he had, he felt the door start to move.

Once the door was open wide enough to pass, he made his way to his usual seat. Sitting down he watched Olivia move to stand at her usual place along the wall. I know I am not strong, but that door is heavy. She used to open it with one hand while supporting me with the other. How did she do that?

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Ollivia turned her back to the wall and noticed he was looking at her. “Is something wrong Orn?”

Turning quickly back to empty table in front of him, he muttered, “No, not at all.”

He was spared a long awkward silence by his mother entering, “Good morning, Olivia. You are welcome to join us.” She gestured to the table.

The young maid bowed slightly and replied as she always did, “Thank you your ladyship, but I must respectfully decline.”

His mother sighed and walked over to Orn. Kissing him on the head she began her morning ritual of looking him over for injuries. “Good morning Orn, how are you doing?”

“I am fine, mother. My left arm has also stopped hurting.” Lifting the bandaged arm he added, “Do you think I’ll be able to take the bandages off soon?”

She gently touched his arm, and he could feel something happening as she gently probed at it through the bandages wrapping it. Has it always been like this? I never noticed before.

His mother pursed her lips, “If it keeps healing at this rate, maybe tomorrow or the day after. But,” she shot him a stern look, “if you hit it or put too much strain on it, you will be wearing this for a long time.”

Not waiting for him to reply she walked to her seat. “Not that that ever stops you. Honestly, you have always healed quickly, but I would appreciate it if you stopped getting hurt.”

“I will try mother.”

“Try?” she scoffed. “Well, you do take after your father too much for me to expect more. He should be here in a few minutes. I will let him tell you about why he is late.”

Something about the way she smiled as she said that last part made him wonder about the cause.

Orn did not have to wait long as his father came in a couple moments later. His father walked briskly towards his seat, but seemed tired. Is he still not sleeping well? What is going on?