What's a Little Pain?

Hale tilted his chin up, watching Adriel swallow the pill, his eyebrows arched. "Are you ill?"

"No, the doctor said it's normal." 

"Normal?" the evil spirit echoed, visibly curious. Or concerned?

Adriel figured Hale hadn't seen the news. Evil spirits probably didn't watch the news. "I have a bullet stuck in my head. Headaches are to be expected," he said, moving slowly to not worsen the pain.

Hale's features stretched with surprise. "A bullet? Is it dangerous?"

Adriel sighed, trying to dismiss the question. If he answered honestly, he'd be in for another round of nagging. "It's nothing."

He lay down on the bed, closing his eyes and pulling the blanket over his head like a shield against evil spirits. 

Hale peered at him, incredulity plastered across his face. "Hiding is purposeless and cowardly. I wasn't done talking," he remarked dryly, waiting for Adriel to reemerge from under the blanket.