Chapter 9
Birthdays and Bangles
“Happy Blessing Day, birthday girl!” I said as soon as there were signs of movement from Sarina's bed the following morning.
The bedroom had been decorated down an invisible boundary between her half of the room and mine. Her eclectic collection of randomly selected tchotchkes didn’t match at all with my things, creating the illusion that the room was occupied by a divorcing couple forced to live together.
“Ugh,” Sarina groaned with enough force to curdle milk, rolling to face away from me. “The Devourer doesn't even get up this early,” she whined.
“Do you know that you snore?”
“That is a filthy lie spread by those who have slept near me.”
I snickered. “You’re lucky I’m a deep sleeper. It’s only thirty minutes before morning lessons. Better get up soon, so you’ll have time to open your present.” I held out a small bark-wrapped gift.
“I don't want it,” she muttered.
“Don't be grumpy.” I set the present on her nightstand beside the other one. “I stayed up late making this for you.”
The shape of her body settled into stillness under the blankets. She wasn't getting out of bed. Busying myself getting ready for lessons, several minutes ticked by in weighted silence before she heaved a sigh.
“I feel awful. I am going to use a sick day today.” She lowered the blanket.
“It’s Blessing Day, lessons are cancelled.”
“Oh, right.” She squinted a glare at me.
“It’s day two. Hungover already?” It was becoming evident she was as rash as Henrik.
“Nah. Possibly. Probably. Think I stayed out too late,” she mumbled, rubbing at her temples. “I'll still open your present.”
“You don't have to—”
“No, I'm opening your present. Gimme,” Sarina held out her hand and waited. “But, if it’s some smelly candle…”
“Just hush and open it!” Fetching the gift off her nightstand, I dropped it into her palm.
“It’s not really much, anyway, just something I threw together.
” Sarina ripped into the bark, revealing a small woven jute bracelet.
The ones the organizers had worn at the Mistrun had inspired me to use a similar design with the limited materials we had at the outpost.
“It’s surprisingly not awful.” She tied it around her wrist. “Thank you.” She yawned, giving me a one-armed hug.
“Ew, way too close with that morning breath,” I teased. She playfully punched my arm. “Aren’t you going to open the other one too?”
She glanced at the second present. “Nah.”
“Well, do you need me to get anything for you today?” I offered.
“Just some food from the meals, please.” Sarina touched her new jewelry. She rolled over onto her side and stared at the wall.
“I'll bring you some breakfast.” I lowered the wick on the oil lamp before I left.
Unable to distract myself with lessons since they were cancelled, I celebrated with the many others sharing a birthday on Blessing Day.
When I returned after lunch with an extra portion of food, Sarina was gone. She reappeared the following morning. But sometime while I was away, the second gift vanished.