A Sponge Bath

The warm water cascaded down Hans's body, carrying with it the dirt and grime of weeks of neglect. Anna gently washed his skin, her touch soft and soothing as she worked to clean him up. The sponge moved in gentle circles, scrubbing away the layers of filth that had accumulated on his skin. Hans lay still, his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling with each slow breath. As Anna bathed him, she couldn't help but think about how far he had fallen. The once charming and charismatic prince was now a shadow of his former self. His body was gaunt, his skin pale and clammy. The spark that had once driven him to manipulate and control others was now barely a flicker. The water was warm, but not hot, and Anna made sure to test it before she began to wash Hans. She gently lifted his arm, and began to clean his armpit, working her way down his side. Hans stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. Anna's eyes met Lars's, who was standing by the door, a look of concern etched on his face. "How long has he been like this?" Anna asked, her voice low. Lars shook his head. "Weeks. He's been getting progressively worse. We've tried to get him to eat, but he just pushes the food away. And when he gets agitated, we have to restrain him." Anna nodded, her expression sympathetic. She gently washed Hans's stomach, working her way down to his hips. She was careful not to scrub too hard, not wanting to irritate his skin. As she washed him, Anna couldn't help but notice the restraints that had been on his wrists. They had left raw, red marks, and she made a mental note to get them cleaned and dressed as soon as possible. Finally, she finished washing Hans, and gently lifted him out of the water. She wrapped him in a warm towel, and began to dry him off. Hans stirred, his eyes fluttering open. For a moment, he just looked at her, his expression blank. Then, his eyes focused, and he looked at her with a glimmer of recognition. "Anna?" he whispered, his voice weak. Anna smiled, relief washing over her. "Hans, it's me," she said. "I'm here to help you." Hans's eyes closed, and he let out a slow breath. Anna continued to dry him off, her touch gentle and soothing. As she worked, she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, they could get Hans back on his feet. The room was quiet, the only sound the gentle dripping of water from the sponge. Anna's eyes met Lars's, who was watching her with a look of gratitude. "Thank you," he mouthed. Anna nodded, her expression soft. She was determined to help Hans, no matter what it took. As she finished drying him off, Anna helped Hans into a clean set of clothes. He was still weak, but he was able to sit up, and even take a few steps with her help. It was a small start, but it was a start nonetheless. And as Anna looked at Hans, she felt a sense of determination. She was going to help him, no matter what it took.