Jenna
I carefully balanced the tray of medicine on one hand as I started to turn the door's handle with the other. I had only opened the door a crack when I heard Ben's voice.

"...I do like her, but...argh! Why is love so complicated?!" I heard Ben shout. I pressed my ear against the door.

"I'll tell her for you." Carol's voice dripped with mischief. "She might like you back."

My heart surged with hope. Then a cold theory slammed it down. Ben could've meant Miri or some other village girl, not me. Just because I'm royalty doesn't mean he will truly love me anyway. Besides, he doesn't even know I'm a princess, much less related, so...

The silence snapped me back to reality. Choosing it as a good timing, I approached the door and lightly rapped my knuckles against the door. Knocking on the door must have surprised one of them, because there was a thump sound. I cautiously enter to see Carol scrambling back up to her feet.

"Hi Jenna!" Carol chirped, and I dipped my head in acknowledgement before grabbing my quill and papyrus.

*So now, we are going to add some salve to your blisters. It's going to...* I held up a small balm labeled Salve, the color of between transparent and white. I silently thanked the teachers who taught me the lessons I have at Red Ruby Academy, which included treating wounds and identifying them. I didn't know if Carol could read lips, but I mouthed hurt anyway. If she doesn't understand what I'm saying, well, I can't really do anything else.

***

"That is-ow! Pure evil!" Carol retched while clutching her leg. "How did you-ouch! Know it was bl-owie! Blisters?"

I shrug my shoulders, but my mind went elsewhere. Perhaps Ben is right. Love is complicated after all.

(A/N) You want to snap Jenna out of her zombie-trance thing? Maybe a vote will help *evil mad-scientist laughing*!

Also, today is...MY TWELVETH BIRTHDAY,12/22/18, *balloons rising and cake falling*!!! I also wanted to make this an early Christmas present to you guys, so...here it is! I hoped it's not as bad as I think it is.