Chapter 21 Dark Morning

• “Jeri… wake up, it’s morning,” Yuna’s soft voice pulled me from a restless sleep. I opened my eyes slowly, and her face greeted me—a small smile on her lips, her narrow, distinctly Japanese eyes radiating warmth. For a moment, it felt like a peaceful morning, like a flicker of hope after a heavy night. But seconds later, Sis Elin’s shadow crashed back into my mind—her anger, her tears, her words, “I love you,” followed by her banishing me. The comfort vanished, replaced by a tightness in my chest.
• “I’ll shower first, okay?” Yuna said, getting up from the floor where she’d laid out a pillow last night after we slept separated by the bolster.
• I nodded, leaning against the cold wall of her room, still trying to shake off Sis Elin’s image. Her words as she kicked me out echoed: “Return everything I gave you, then leave.” I knew dwelling on it wouldn’t change anything. I had Yuna now, my good friend, who was always there, even if she could be annoying. I couldn’t let myself look sad in front of her; I didn’t want her cheerfulness to fade because of me.