A Protective Lie

She began to grow nervous at his prolonged silence.

“Are you still there, Mister? You didn't faint, did you?”

“No.” Kian closed his eyes wearily. “I'm exhausted and would like to take a nap,” he murmured.

“No! Don't fall asleep!”

She banged madly on the wall to keep him awake. “You're badly hurt, and you might never wake up if you fall asleep!”

Kian was amused.

Having been training in the barracks