Page 101 of Cilka's Journey

“I said nothing about keeping quiet.”

“My question has just been answered. Cilka, tell me how you feel? Where does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t.”

Yelena huffs. “I want you to stay lying flat for another twenty-four hours. Try not to move too much, let your body heal, particularly your head. I suspect you have been badly concussed and only rest will heal that.”

“Thank you,” Cilka manages.

“Get some rest. I got word back to your hut that you were injured but are going to be all right; I know how close you are to the women there and I thought they might be worried.”

Hannah certainly will be,she thinks. But the last container Cilka got for her will last awhile.

Cilka’s thoughts turn back to Pavel and a tear escapes and runs down her cheek.

The next day, Cilka opens her eyes to find a strange man leaning over her. Before she can say anything, he grabs one of her hands and kisses it.

“Thank you for saving my life. You are an angel. I’ve been watching you sleep, hoping you would wake up so I could thank you.”

She recognizes him as the explosives expert from the mine.

Lyuba appears beside him. “Come on, back to your own bed. I’ve told you, you can’t keep coming over here. Cilka needs her rest.”

“But—”

“Lyuba, it’s all right, let him stay for a moment,” Cilka croaks.

“Thank you again.”

“How are you? You didn’t look too good last time I saw you,” Cilka says.

“So I’ve been told. But I’m much better. I’m going back to my hut tomorrow, so I must be.”

Cilka manages a smile. “It’s been good to see you. Look after yourself.”

As the man goes back to his bed, Lyuba reappears in front of Cilka.

“I hear your quick actions, and directions, saved him and the other workers. He won’t stop going on about it.”

“But, Lyuba, I dragged Pavel in, and now he is dead.”

“You needed help, and it was his choice.”

“He came in because he cared about me. I see it now.”

“Well then he’d be glad you made it out.”

“Can I see her?” Kirill appears behind Lyuba, who steps aside.

“How you feeling?” he asks, with genuine concern.

“I’m so sorry, Kirill. I’m so sorry,” Cilka says, close to tears.

“It wasn’t your fault, what happened to Pavel.”

“But he only helped because I asked.”

“He would help you even if you didn’t ask. I guess you’ll have to ask me, now.”