The sun partially bathed June’s upper body providing welcomed warmth and indicated the lateness of the day. Time was something June lost track off as the thought of curling up in bed on the forefront of her mind. Yet the single room apartment in The Barrio was the last place June wanted to return to.

The catch of the driver’s door caught June’s attention, and she turned to watch Inferno climb into the driver's seat. As she did, Inferno pointed at the pill bottle in June’s hand, and said, “Did you want to take one now?”

June made an attempt to decline but the shock of her experience finally took hold and the effort to remain brave now passed as her body began to shake.

“Take one,” Inferno insisted, removing the pill bottle from June’s hand.

June knew she was in no position to refuse and she was never going to. She wanted the pain and memories to vanish.

Inferno handed June a small white pill and flask, which June hoped contained water. She took both, placed the pill in her mouth, and painfully swallowed. The effort brought tears to her eyes and her body shuddered as Inferno took the flask before she lowered it.

“Rest. I’ll take you home.”

June dropped her head back against the seat and stared at Inferno while hazy thoughts swirled around her outer consciousness. Could she trust the super villain? What were her intensions? She could not process her situation as Inferno started the vehicle and pulled back into traffic. June fought to keep her eyes open, as deep within the threat of danger remained, but the flickering shadows from the trees across the windows and the warmth in the car, lulled June to sleep.

The opening of the passenger door and the cool breeze around her bare legs made June shudder followed by an agonising groan. In no position to get out, June waited for Inferno to assist, but to her surprise Inferno placed a blanket over her. Through drowsy eyes, June recognised the blanket as the one she used on her bed. Her thoughts drifted to a memory of the past; her mother’s smile, sitting on her favourite chair beside the fireplace, hand sewing the coloured panels. Made from old cloth and worn bedsheets. A gift to June, it was her most precious possessions.

June’s gazed refocused beyond the window but could not make out clearly where they were. Again, a feeling she should be concerned became overridden by her inability to comprehend her situation. Knowledge she was in pain continued to dominated any other concerns she should have. The sound of the car boot being slammed shut caught June’s attention momentarily before darkness overcame her.

The pressure around June’s throat drew her awake with a fright, as she threw her hands out in front of her, fearful of attack. The sight of her hands and then the white ceiling beyond caught June’s attention. She was not in her apartment, the lack of mould on the ceiling made that much evident. June lowered her hands to her side and looked around as a sound of movement from the end of the bed drew her to Inferno.

“I’ll help you sit. You should take your medication now and sleep some more.”

Questions immediately jumped to mind that June wanted answered. Why Inferno had helped her among the foremost? But she was in no condition to ask. Instead, she allowed Inferno to raise her slightly, as she used her free hand to place a tiny pill in June’s mouth. Inferno took a small glass of water and placed it against June’s lips. It pained to swallow and took several attempts before the pill went down. Water cascaded down her chin and onto the blanket tucked high around her.

June gasped for air after the removal of the glass, then coughed, the pain made worse. Inferno continued to hold June upright, rubbing her back until the coughing subsided. When June found breathing easy again, Inferno lowered her back down, removing the wet blanket before taking another from the foot of the bed and placing in over June.

Inferno returned to the side of the bed watching her.

“Rest for now. When you’re well enough, we’ll talk.”

June had wanted to acknowledge her words but her body lulled in slumber with thoughts of any danger no longer a concern.