Liend entered his room and collapsed onto the bed. The AC hummed softly in the background, heating the otherwise cool space. The sheet covered him, but sleep wouldn't come. He turned, restless, grunting as he pushed himself upright, sitting on the edge of the bed. His legs hung off the side, one hand pressed to his forehead.
"Why's it…" he muttered, eyes narrowed in discomfort. His head throbbed—sharp and pulsing—and inside him, a strange emptiness gnawed away. A hollow ache, one he couldn't place.
A soft knock came at the door.
Kiana peeked in, her voice gentle. "I'm coming in."
She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. That same smooth, motherly smile touched her face—warm, calm. In one hand, she held a water bottle. In the other, a single pill.
"You didn't take this," she said, walking toward him.
"I thought…" Liend began, but trailed off.
"You forgot your sleep medication?" she offered, tilting her head knowingly.
