When James and Jeremiah finished explaining everything to Iris, she looked unphased.

“I see.” she said. “Well Dr. Thorn, I thank you for not carrying out the full sentence on me.”

“Don’t thank me girl,” Jeremiah said “I owe you an apology. My actions were reprehensible.”

“How were you able to do it Dr.? How did you put me into a coma?” she asked.

“A medicinal herb I’ve imported from Asia. It’s rare, and carries with it a strong sedative. I placed you in the abandoned mansion, and gave you a new dosage weekly.” Jeremiah answered.

“You did all that just to preserve me?” she asked.

“I couldn’t kill you. Especially not under these circumstances.” he responded.

“But I’m not even swollen…” she said.

“And you won’t be, so long as you wrap your limbs in this twice daily for a few weeks.” he handed her a binding cloth that smelled of pneumonia.

“I don’t have a place to stay.” she said.

“I wouldn’t say that.” James spoke, taking her hand. Iris looked at James, and smiled. She didn’t pull her hand away.