Evening came so quickly that Camilla felt the entire day had rushed by in a blur. The bright golden sunlight that had filled the master bedroom slowly faded away, replaced by the dark gray shades of twilight. Outside the tall glass windows, the crickets began their soft evening songs in the garden below.
Inside the bedroom, a single oil lamp flickered on the bedside table, casting a warm, soft glow over the bed.
Camilla sat beside Damon's mattress. Her posture was straight, but her body felt sore from the bruises covering her back and ribs. In her lap, she held a small bowl filled with warm water. A soft cotton towel was submerged in the water.
She reached into the bowl, taking the towel and wringing out the excess liquid until it was just damp. Her movements were extremely slow, gentle, and careful. She did not want to disturb Damon in any way.
Camilla took Damon's right hand into her own.
