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But mine was just beginning.
Standing, I stretched and yawned, trying to find energy that wasn’t there. I ignored the heaviness in my eyes and went outside.
I worked until long after the sun had sunk below the horizon. I didn’t eat dinner, even though I saw Cain and Eric making it.
But I got another row done.
If the sun were out, I would have surveyed my work. I still had more to go, but at least I was getting somewhere.
I stood, ignoring the way I felt unsteady on my own feet, and went inside. My entire body ached, and I’d pay for this tomorrow.
“Are you done ignoring me when I tell you you’re pushing yourself too hard?” Cain asked. He was finishing up dishes, the dinner already put away. My stomach panged, and I knew I needed to eat as soon as possible.
“Are you so mad that you won’t share dinner?”
“And continue your torture? You’re doing enough of that yourself.”
He opened the microwave, which revealed a plate of chicken and vegetables. “This is for you.”
“I don’t care if you let Hennifer attack me. You’re actually the best.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Cain nodded and walked off. I had no idea what plans he had for the evening, but I had a feeling they didn’t involve me. I wasn’t sure why I was disappointed. Was I hoping for more of our back-and-forth?
I didn’t look great anyway. I’d been in the dirt for hours, andI knew I didn’t smell good. I washed my hands thoroughly and grabbed my food.
Sitting at the dining-room table, I scarfed everything down faster than I ever had before. After that, I drank four glasses of water. My head pounded a little less, though it did nothing for my sore muscles.
Moments later, Cain walked in.
“You done?”
“Yes. I’ll get out of your hair now.”
“No, you’re gonna take a bath.”
My cheeks heated. “Yeah, that was the plan. It may not seem like it, but Idoknow how to take care of myself.”
He rolled his eyes and gestured for me to follow him. I did, and my jaw dropped when I walked into the bathroom and found a bath had already been run for me.
“What is this?”
“Epsom salt, mainly. It’ll help you not feel like garbage tomorrow. Rinse off in the shower first, then get in the tub.”
“This is for me?”
“I’m not using Jade’s nice stuff on Eric, that’s for sure. He still tries to drink bathwater because he thinks it’s funny. Besides, he hates the sunset scent.”
I took in a deep breath. The air smelled fresh and clean. “That’s what this is?”
“Yep. Enjoy.”
“Why did you do this?”
He paused at the doorway before turning slowly. “You’re doing too much. You know that, right?”