Annabeth lay curled up on her bed, the strongly painful ache in her stomach refusing to subside. Her usually sharp gray eyes were clouded with discomfort. Nearby, the warm glow of a lamp bathed the cabin in a soft, golden light, casting flickering shadows on the wooden walls. She let out a small groan, clutching her stomach fighter as she vomited over the bed. Piper entered quietly, balancing a tray with a steaming mug of herbal tea. "Hey, I brought you something that might help," Piper said, her voice a soothing balm in the quiet room.
Annabeth managed a weak smile as Piper sat beside her on the bed. "Thanks, Piper. I don't know what hit me," she murmured, taking the mug between her hands and inhaling the calming steam.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm here to distract you from it," Piper replied with a playful grin, her multicolored braids tumbling over her shoulders as she settled in.
Piper began to recount tales from their past adventures, her voice animated and full of life. "Do you remember the time when we accidentally summoned that pack of wolves?" she asked, chuckling.
Annabeth nodded, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I thought we'd never outrun them," she replied, the memory easing some of her discomfort.
"And what about the time we tried to cook that 'authentic' Greek dish?" Piper continued, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Annabeth groaned, but this time with amusement. "Don't remind me. I'm surprised we didn't poison the entire camp," she replied, her laughter mingling with Piper's.
Piper looked at Annabeth, her expression softening. "Seriously though, Annabeth, you've got to take it easy sometimes. Even heroes need rest," she said gently.
Annabeth nodded, her eyes meeting Piper's with a grateful smile. "I know. Thanks for being here, Piper," she replied, feeling the warmth of their friendship envelop her.
Piper tucked a blanket around Annabeth, her movements gentle and caring. "Get some rest. I'll be here if you need anything," she whispered, her presence a steady comfort.
Annabeth closed her eyes, the pain in her stomach easing as she drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing she wasn't alone.
