The narrator describes a prolonged state of sleep, suggesting uncertainty whether it's a natural part of healing or a desire to escape reality. This period of slumber appears heavy and consuming, as waking up seems to require great effort.
During moments of wakefulness, the narrator only eats minimally, quickly drifting back into a deep, oblivious sleep. The warmth of the broth seems to anchor them further into this state of rest, illustrating a struggle between the need for nourishment and the desire to remain within the comforting depths of unconsciousness.