27

OLIVIA

My phone buzzes loudly from the bedside table, jolting me from my sleep. I reach out and grab my phone. I squint at the screen, trying to read the message. A wave of relief washes over me when I see it is just a text from Mirabel.

The message read, "You need to rest and take care of yourself. You can take the day off. Just relax and look after your health."

I bite my bottom lip, feeling a pang of guilt wash over me. I had lied to Mirabel , telling her that I was too ill to come into work.

In a way, this is true. I'm really ill, but mentally. I'm mentally unwell. I just want to stay in bed all day, wrapped up in my covers.

I know it is too early for me to be missing work, but I can't help myself. It feels wrong to take advantage of Mirabel's kindness, but I can't muster the energy to face the customers and coworkers. I am not just in the right frame of mind for it.

I toss my phone onto the nightstand. I try to relax, resting my head on the pillow. I shut my eyes tight, willing m