Valine slowly stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open to the dimly lit room. The clock on the wall showed 6 o'clock in the evening. As she shifted in the bed, she noticed Almira, placing food on the coffee table.

With a friendly smile, Valine got up and greeted Almira, “Hey, Almira”

“AHHHHH” Almira let out a startled shriek, her eyes wide with surprise. “Oh, hi, sorry”

"Almira, is everything alright?" Valine asked, her voice laced with concern as she took a step closer to her. She tried to make eye contact with Almira, but the young woman's gaze remained fixed on the floor.

Almira fidgeted, and her hands...