When Layla woke up feeling weak and uncomfortable, she knew more of the stretchmarks had appeared.

And after hours of remaining in bed, with her eyes wide opened, looking at nothing in particular and thinking nothing in particular, she said her morning prayer and finally stepped out of bed.

She opened the curtains and started putting her room in place, not caring to check her body to see the part that has now been infected with the hideous thing.

She wondered why Phil hadn't come to knock on her door, it's hours past the time she goes to the Cafe. And she hasn't even gotten ready yet, still slowly arranging...