The next morning I woke up slowly.
I did not know where I was. Then I felt the rough blanket beneath me and heard a quiet voice nearby.
“Malia?”
I opened my eyes. Lydia was sitting beside the bed, watching me.
“How long was I asleep?” My voice came out weak.
She smiled. “The entire night.”
I pushed myself up, embarrassed. “That long?”
“You needed it.”
I looked around. Mara was sitting near the fire, holding my baby against her chest. She was keeping him wrapped in a warm cloth.
My heart softened. “He’s awake.”
Mara looked over and smiled. “He has been awake for a while.”
I stared at my son. “Did he cry?”
“Only when he was hungry.”
“I should have been the one taking care of him.”
Lydia shook her head. “You just gave birth, Malia. You nearly collapsed yesterday. Stop feeling gu
