After a week spent sleeping one would think that they could just hop out of bed with loads of energy. Most of her recovery was spent with even more sleeping, often with different herbal mixes to help with a pain that made her see things. Other times it was spent struggling to walk. But nearly all of the time was spent bored.



While stuck in bed Marietta had nothing to do. She could not paint. The easel required at least a modicum of dexterity to sit in front, and even sketching in front of her caused her to ache. Everything would return to her in time, the healers said. But time was ticking slowly away. So much of it was wasted in a coma, a week stolen from her. Must more be taken as well?



When her mind wasn’t rattled by pain or by medication was when it was best. At the very least she could keep it busy. She spent most of the time that she could reading books left by Hebe. She had just finished a book of the stars, that were filled with interesting theories of the gods and how they interact with them. But by the time she finished the book, she realized… that once more she had nothing left to do.



Marietta looked around her room until she saw, on her bookshelf, the book she hadn’t finished reading that she had started a month ago. The Golden Ratio, it was such a fascinating topic, mixing math and art. It was both her loves intertwined, the logical side of her brain with her artistic side, working together to make masterpieces.



She tried to lift herself from her bed, but instantly her body shouted in pain. Marietta was not able to walk far, and never without any help. No matter how she tried, her body worked against her, unwilling to let her free from the confines of her bedroom. Marietta glanced around. The maid had left her to go check on the status of her supper. She was alone. She was helpless.



That was when there was hope. Through the open door, she saw someone pass, a young woman. “Excuse me!” Marietta called out from her bed. “Excuse me! Could I have some help?” When the woman entered Marietta felt bad. It was one of the guests staying at the Antonis house while everyone recovered. Marietta remembered her briefly there at the riot before… well, she suddenly didn’t remember anything at all.



Things were still blurry and would come in flashes. But what she heard… was this the one who helped Hebe? Marietta had apparently pushed Hebe to safety, and this was the one that received her on the other end? “Oh, hello!” Marietta felt a pink tinge across her cheeks. “You’re Chrysanthe, are you not? I’m sorry, I would have introduced myself to you earlier had… I been able.” Had she been free from this prison.



“If it isn’t too much of a bother, I was hoping you might help me. I can’t get up, but I was wanting to read to pass the time. Could you get me the book over there?” She pointed at her bookshelf. “It’s titled The Golden Ratio. It isn’t a very creative title, mind you but… well, nevertheless. If it isn’t too much to ask…” And that would give the time for Marietta to thank her properly. She didn’t know anything about the girl at all. Did she like jewlery? Maybe Marietta could give something of her’s to her. Or did she like… art?



How does one thank someone who helped save her sister’s life?