114 Defying an Order

"Gabby is not answering." Giovanni entered the room again a minute later. "She might already be asleep. I'm sure she'll come back tomorrow. She always does."

Gael slowly nodded. He glanced down at his bare torso and saw the gauze covering the lower right of his rib area. He couldn't see his wound, but he could feel a throbbing pain on it, especially when he breathes. 

"When… burial?" he asked with difficulty.

Earlier, his uncle had told him who among their people died. Three of them were distant cousins, and five were soldiers. Their men were buried two days ago while he was still unconscious. But Giovanni hadn't told him when Senior Carlos's was.

"Tomorrow. Noon."

"I'm going," Gael muttered.

"You're not allowed to leave this room."

"Says who?"

"The doctor. You could get an infection. Don't be hard-headed." Giovanni's tone was low.

"I'm going," Gael insisted.