Imogen was about to refuse, to insist she needed no such method, that she wouldn't allow anyone to sacrifice for her. But before she could speak, Felicia laughed. "Some promises shouldn't be made lightly," she said. "If you can't truly offer something, what's the point? To make others feel indebted?"
Johanna, startled, stammered a denial. She tried to argue but found herself speechless. It was all Felicia's fault, Imogen thought, for being so sharp and direct.
"Alright, it's fine," Imogen said soothingly, glancing at Johanna. She smiled at Felicia. "Miracle healer, please don't scare her."
Felicia's expression remained unchanged. "I'm not scaring anyone," she said. "I just can't stand hypocritical words and actions." It wasn't personal; she felt equal disdain for all such hypocrisy. Imogen chuckled, shaking her head. "You're both like children."
Perhaps her age, or perhaps her blindness, prevented her from sensing the underlying tension and Johanna's ruthlessness. Seizing the opportunity, Johanna said sweetly, "Please hold up your hand and let the doctor check your pulse."
Imogen, her hopes momentarily high, felt them plummet upon seeing the "miracle healer" was just a young girl. Yet, not wanting to disappoint Johanna, she placed her hand on the wrist pillow. Felicia briefly felt her pulse.
"How is it? Can she be treated?" Johanna asked, her tone filled with anxious concern. Imogen remained calm, as if anticipating the answer.
Felicia tossed the pillow back into her kit. "Ms. Russell," she said lightly, "your blindness is due to external poisoning. Someone poisoned your eyes."
Imogen was surprised, but quickly accepted it. Knowing the cause wouldn't change anything, and yet...
"It can be treated," Felicia stated. Her straightforward answer cut through Imogen's thoughts. Sitting up, Felicia assured her, "I can treat it."
"Really?" Imogen gasped. The darkness had lasted so long; she could barely imagine seeing again. Instinctively touching her belly, she thought, "Baby, did you hear that? I might be able to see you." The baby kicked.
Overwhelmed, Imogen wept tears of joy. "How will the treatment work? Can I start after I give birth?"
"You can," Felicia nodded. "I'll find herbs to detoxify your eyes. However, since the toxins have settled deeply, even after detoxification, your vision will only recover to about 80%."
80% would leave her slightly nearsighted, a minor inconvenience. Imogen nodded vigorously, then grasped Felicia's hand. "Will the poison affect my baby?"
"No, it won't. Don't worry," Felicia's confident reassurance eased Imogen's tension. Expressing her gratitude, Imogen said, "Thank you, miracle healer! Thank you so much!" Felicia subtly withdrew her hand. "Once I collect the herbs, I'll prepare the medicine. Alright?"