The alchemist knelt beside the wounded man and carefully checked his pulse and bandages.
alchemist: hm… he's stable… but these injuries are serious.alchemist: who gave him the initial treatment?
I raised my hand slowly.
Kael: i… i did, sir… small pills… only to stop bleeding… i can't make high-level ones.
The old man turned and looked straight at me.
alchemist: you?
Kael: yes… i found him in forest… he was dying… i couldn't leave him.
The alchemist stayed silent for a moment, observing me from head to toe.
alchemist (thinking): hands smell of herbs… steady eyes… he's telling truth.
He exhaled softly and looked back at the injured man.
alchemist: fine. who he is doesn't matter now. saving him comes first.
He opened his pouch and took out a small bag filled with refined herbs and powder.
alchemist: make pills using this. two in morning. two at night. don't increase dose.
He placed the bag in my hands.
alchemist: keep him hydrated. soft food only. after three days… he should wake.
I held the bag tightly.
Kael: yes, sir… i'll follow exactly.
The alchemist stood up.
alchemist: if his breathing worsens, come call me. otherwise continue treatment.
Kael: thank you, sir.
The old man nodded once and walked out of the house.
alchemist (thinking while leaving): a child making medicine to save someone… this place is strange.
The door closed.
Silence returned.
I looked at the unconscious man lying on the bed, then at the herb bag.
Kael (whispering): just survive… until you wake…
Soft footsteps came from behind me.
Liora: b-brother… will he wake?
I turned toward her and forced a calm face.
Kael: he will. the alchemist said three days. we just follow exactly.
I sat near the table and began grinding the refined herbs carefully, turning them into small pills.
Morning and night, I fed him two pills. Slowly. Carefully. Making sure he swallowed.Liora stood beside me most of the time, still afraid but trying to help.
One evening she whispered quietly.
Liora: kael… he's not moving…
Kael: i know… but he will wake. just be patient.
Time passed quietly.
On the third morning, sunlight entered through the small window. I packed my herb basket.
Kael: i'm going to forest, liora.
She hugged her doll and nodded.
Liora: o-okay… i'll give him pills like usual.
Kael: two in morning… two at night. i'll be back before dusk.
Liora: be careful…
Kael: always.
I stepped out and walked toward the forest, thinking about herbs, pills, and money needed to survive.
Hours later, I returned home with a basket full of herbs.But the moment I stepped inside… something felt different.
The man was sitting up on the bed.
My footsteps froze.
Kael (whispering): …he's awake.
Liora quickly turned toward me, eyes wide.
Liora: kael… he woke up…
The man slowly lifted his head and looked at both of us, his eyes finally clear.
injured man: …where… am i…?
I swallowed once and stepped forward.
Kael: you're in our home… we treated your wounds.
He looked around the small house, then at us again.
injured man: …i see…