Sunken eyes opened, blinking away any residual sleep that still clung to them. His first thought was to apologize to Woody for falling asleep on him, but Ippo quickly realized his friend was no longer in his room. It was morning. That knowledge didn't make him feel any better, but at least he didn't get taken again in the night.

Turning toward the door, the boxer attempted to push himself up under his own steam. He was only marginally successful. His limbs were no longer so spasmodic and he could push himself up in a sitting position with more effort than he ever wanted to admit. By the time his back hit the wall, though, Ippo was panting and a thin sheet of sweat had broken out over his body.

The sound of a lock being pulled back announced his nurse, who came in with her usual smile and cheerfulness that was starting to make Ippo feel uncomfortable.

"Good morning," she said as she brought in a wheelchair beside his bed. "How're you feeling? Better? You look better."

"Y-Yes, thank you..." It was mumbled quietly like a bad habit as he wrung his hands against the bed sheets.

"Good. Well let's get you to breakfast--"

"Uhm, do I have to use the wheelchair? I think I can--"

"I think it would be best. That way if you do get tired after a bit of walking, you'll have somewhere to sit. I think you'll appreciate it once we get you to the cafeteria, okay?"

"Alright," Ippo conceded easily and slowly lowered himself into the wheelchair.

In the cafeteria, the nurse wheeled him to an empty table and went back to get his breakfast, while Ippo silently wallowed in self-pity. She eventually returned with a tray of pancakes, sliced into squares for his benefit, and a side of eggs and sausage. This time, he could pick up his fork and eat. It was nice to see that he was making progress.

[Rapunzel]