A Battle

Even with the news, Veil found it difficult to sleep. Excitement coursed through her bones, keeping her awake through the remaining hours of the night. She passed through different stages of emotions all in a couple of hours and even her mother burst out laughing.

Veil cried, danced, laughed, jumped, and fell to the couch in exhaustion and hunger. Orleans offered to go get something to eat on his way back from his house since he had to freshen up. He asked Veil to follow him, but she wanted to be around when her father opened his eyes.

She was sending in a formal leave of absence for the day when Mr. Hart was wheeled in on his bed. He was still asleep but the nurse assured them that he had a smooth night and would be awake in no time.

After sending out the mail, Veil joined her mother at the side of the bed, watching him like he would suddenly disappear into thin air. Orleans returned with breakfast an hour later and Veil didn't know how hungry she had been until the scent of the foo