Chapter 4

I simmered vegetable roots and meat bones into a broth, poured it into a little clay pot, and sent it down to him in a basket along with medicine for his injuries.

The first time he tasted the broth, he stayed quiet for a long time down in the well.

I could hear his heavy, restrained breathing.

After a long pause, he finally said in a hoarse voice, "Zora, thank you."

"No need to thank me," I replied. "Drink it while it's hot. Once it cools, it won't taste as good."

I could hear him sipping the broth, slow and…