6 – Daily Ritual

**“ It’s all your fault! ”** Tala’s voice whispered, her reproach echoed around Althea’s head

**“ I’m DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! ”** the voice suddenly screamed, making Althea forcefully jerk up from her sweat-drenched bed.

Althea hugged her knees to her chest and bent her throbbing head. Her heart pounded as if it wanted to explode out of her chest.

“ Hi, good morning cuz,” Kent greeted, standing by the doorpost with a kind smile on his face.

Althea gingerly lifted her head and stared at him quizzically.

“ Wha….what are you doing here? ” Her weak voice asked shakily.

“ Well, I just wanted to give my favorite cousin her breakfast in bed. It’s your favorite,” he said and sat beside her, showing her the beautifully made dish lying on a glass plate, her favorite, beef tapa.

Not quite the answer she expected, Althea thought. But she was too drained to try and probe further. Sitting up, she hugged a pillow to her chest, and docilely allowed Kent to feed her.

“ Aw… You should see how cute your fac