Bens thought,

I think she? looks really short how do I know how tall she should be? What does "she" mean. Those things on her chest, weird? why do they look so nice?

Ben touched his face with his finger tips. His skin felt hot and puffy and there was a cloth wound around his head.

I don't feel hungry no. Ben said, where am I ? Do you know who I am? Who are you? You have a lot of hair on your head.

how do you make your hair do that it looks nice. Are you a person like me? Can I have some water? What are those ?

oh!! there so soft.

She moved his hand away from her front. Her hand was very short but wide. Much! stronger than Bens hands.

Hmmm I won't smack your noggin this time. I don't think your head can take it right now. My guess is you don't know any better anyhow but *mine* DON'T touch, not without asking.

Sorry. I.. so soft .... they make me feel weird.

Her face and chest above her green blouse are red now.

Oh ok so no, I don't know who you are. My name is Milly Strongiurden. I am the Healer taking care of you. You're in the Xenoden of my clinic.

Her hand went to thick cord of hair on her head.

My braiding? You like it? Thank you. The smile on her face became a bit stern. And as for *those* never you mind just hands off without a proper invitation.

Ah ok so, you wanted some water? I will get you a cup.

She moved to a table made of pale ivory strips bent over and under each other and slotted into segmented tubes of the same material at the border. A porcelain pitcher of water and some ivory cups was set atop a board with leather handles. Next to the board was a small brown box with black bands reinforcing it and a shiny silver oval at the top of the box.

Milly picked up the pitcher.

Do you want your medicine mixed in with your water? Some don't like the way it tastes when it's not diluted.

I don't know. What does it taste like? Thought Ben.

Ok sure if you think it would be better he said. what is that stuff the table is made from? Is it the same as the cups? What does the medicine do?

Ha ha you have so many questions. I tell you what why don't I ask you a question. What *do* you know about yourself? Asked Milly.

I know my name is Ben. I woke up in a strange cave behind some vines. I think you said it was a week ago? How long is a week? OH! I know I like bread! Do you know what bread is?

Its soft and smooshie and crunches on the outside. Do you have any bread? I think I might be hungry after all.