Vasilia had made some attempt to move non-essential items out of the way, but between that cursory tidying and the effort of getting a drink of water-- she seemed to be perpetually thirsty-- she had exhausted herself. Movement only brought on more coughing.

She called the door to open when she heard the chime of a visitor, but did not move. She ached, a physical muscular pain she could not have imagined as the consequence of infection.

"I am here."