She walked closer to the shore and settled on a rock, knowing that cold water might alleviate the pain. The pain, which had been a constant companion since her mishap, intensified with every movement. Claire winced as she gingerly untied the cloth that had been wrapped around her injured leg. The sight that greeted her eyes was far from reassuring – the area around her ankle had ballooned, swollen to nearly double its original size. The vibrant hues of purple and blue painted a stark contrast against her pale skin. The discolouration extended upward, spreading tendrils of deep bruising that seemed to encompass her entire lower leg. It was a vivid testament to the severity of the injury.