Color Theory

Adalia wouldn't let me get up.

Surrounded by so much to gape and gawk at, I needed a proper look. As uncooperative as my body was, I managed to muster enough strength to do just that. Except I still couldn't. 

I only felt the pressure of her hands the moment I resisted. Her grip was like hooks tethering me to her lap like I was some fixed flap of a tent spread out on the dirt. 

At first, I thought she was just keeping me there to recoup. It was only after I met her gaze again, unyielding, and practically burrowing holes through mine, that I realized it was less a matter of keeping me, but needing me. 

Needless to say, I lost my urge to leave her lap rather quickly after that. 

"How long was I gone for?" I asked.

"A few… minutes…" she said, tilting her head a little in thought. "Three… minutes…?" 

"Three minutes. That's not too long." 

Adalia shook her head in response. "Long… enough…"