JOSI

The clock strikes six. Josi is still in bed.

It's been five days since she arrived at the estate. It's been five days since she lost Bradley.

Josi doesn't function much. She's shut her mind off and has succumbed to the safety of her bed. There aren't any visitors, save for the maid who has been assigned to her. Idris rarely ever stops by either due to his own consuming schedule. But contrary to belief, his presence doesn't come as a disturbance. Josi has learned to tune out much of reality, and Idris is no exception.

The window curtains flutter against the gush of wind filtering in, and behind the blankets of clouds rests the crescent moon. Josi stares at that same moon, still at the comfort of her bed. The image is there, but like the rest of the environment, it has faded into the background. Even the chime of the grand clock completely flies by Josi. It's like she's present only physically, while the rest of her mind remains locked up in some cage.

An empty shell. Josi only breathes because nature demands it. The meals have all been left untouched, and now she has subjected herself to hunger. But even the pain from an empty stomach brings her little reaction.

Five days with no food and water is detrimental. In fact, it has already begun running its course. Josi sits at the edge of the bed, trying to ready herself for a trip to the restroom. She tries and tries, gathering as much strength as is available-which really isn't much due to lack of self-care. Her vision even begins blurring, head throbbing and bones aching.

Still, she tries. She takes the first step, and for a second, her strength almost gives out. But she steadies herself, then takes another step. And then another. But when she takes the next one, her body grows cold, and all too sudden, her feet begin liquifying. She's already lost all the strength she had in just four steps. Four measly steps.

Josi swallows down hard, because now her vision has grown fuzzy. Before she can even take the next step, her legs give out. And before she can even recover from the fall, she meets unconsciousness.

__

When Josi comes to, she's back in her bed. The first thing to meet her eyes are the sunrays; so blinding that she has to move out of the way. But the tube in her nose prevents her from moving much. A tube . . . Josi follows the trail down to a feeding pump to the side which has been wired up to a machine.

This machine seems to be what kept her sustained during that time of unconsciousness. Now there's no headache or shallow breaths or blurry vision. She's well rested, which leaves her pondering just how many days she was left unconscious. Her attire seems to have changed as well. It may have been a while.

"Ms. Cade?"

Josi's gaze shoots up to the visitor. It's the maid.

"You've been out for four days." Martha continues, in that same quiet tone. She goes for the feeding bag and begins changing it out. "Mr. Verdonni told me not to leave your side until he gets back. Are you feeling any better?"

No reply.

Martha is understanding. She sets the used bag down and goes to adjust the pump. "You can blink once for Yes and twice for No."

Josi blinks once. This is enough for Martha to move on to the next step. She helps Josi up and leans her back against the headboard, then hands her an audio monitor. "Press the button when you need me."

Josi eyes the monitor over, but still doesn't miss the solemn look Martha gives her. The maid lingers for a second longer, as if contemplating, then finally heads for the door.

Now the room has been drenched in silence. Josi moves her gaze out the window, at the sunlit view, and simply takes it all in. The fountain sits in the middle of a hedge encirclement and reflects much of the sun's rays. The thing that really pulls Josi in, however, is the city's outstretch in the distance.

Josi moves to the edge of the bed and slowly lifts herself to her feet. It takes her a couple seconds to get accustomed, but unlike the first trial, there are no fuzzy visions or aching bones. She drags the feeding machine on her way to the window nook and takes a seat.

The city is Josi's only source of entertainment. She leans her head against the window and stares out into the distance, at where civilization carries on without her.

__

Josi has been laid off the feeding tube. She keeps herself confined to her room and only leaves her bed when necessary. More comfort under the covers. It's the only thing positive about the place.

Martha arrives with another tray full of food. Another tray Josi will surely dismiss. "Good afternoon, Ms. Cade."

Josi remains unresponsive, but Martha carries on. She sets the food on the table next to Josi's bed, then sighs when she sees that the previous tray of food has been left untouched.

Josi has gone back to neglecting herself. She'd refused breakfast that morning, much like the previous meals brought to her by the maid. At this rate, it won't be long until she faints once again.

"You have to eat something." Martha starts. "Please, I'm begging you. Do it for your family at least. They wouldn't want you suffering like this."

This somewhat brings some life back to Josi. The gears in her head begin turning, and finally a fragment of her senses return. Life hasn't come to an end just yet. What would her family think if they find her body on their doorsteps; depleted of strength and dried down to the bone. She has to, at least, live long enough to see them again.

So she picks up the spoon, holds on to it for a couple seconds, then finally digs into the food. Martha, who is more than content, smiles and says, "I'll be back for the tray soon." Then she heads for the door.

The food holds no substance with Josi's lack of appetite, but she stomachs as much as she can. It goes on like this-one spoon at a time, until she can handle no more.

__

This time, Josi finds comfort not in her bed but in a couch. A stark change of pace, considering she hasn't left that bed or even the bedroom in a little over two weeks. Now she sits there still gazing out the window, though the sun has set and the scenery outside has faded. But she prefers the window open, as if it were some little mount of freedom left available.

Martha is there with her. Even now, Josi has spoken very little to her, if at all. But she's come to find some comfort in the maid as well, because Martha no longer blends in with the rest of the background. And she somewhat listens when Martha speaks. Josi has just now realized that the woman is somewhere in her fifties, as seen by her salt and pepper hair.

Currently, Martha arranges Josi's wardrobe, which are just clothes that were handpicked by Idris. Meanwhile, Josi just sits there, looking for things to fixate on, such as the art pieces and even the mirrors. They give her nothing to think about. An empty mind is key to peace.

Until the peace is once again brought to an end. Idris barges through the door, still in the same grim mood. He orders for Martha to leave and heads for where Josi is on the couch.

"I had your family believe you were relocated for a job." Idris tells her. "So don't bother trying to explain your sudden disappearance to them."

Silence.

The frown on Idris's face deepens. "Your job won't be expecting you either, so don't worry about that."

Josi still doesn't dignify him with a response.

Idris grits his teeth, not too happy about being shunned. He looks beyond restless at this point. But Josi doesn't even spare him a glance. She keeps her eyes straight out the window, more interested in the dark sky than Idris himself.

But still, he stands there, as if searching for something else to say. Not that Josi would respond. So Idris gives up on his attempt and heads for the door. He doesn't slam it this time, neither does he fully close it. He leaves it ajar.

________________________________________