Chapter 23 Mess

KIA

Every morning, the same repetitive ritual unfolds without fail. It's so predictable, so routine, that I could probably perform it in my sleep due to its sheer monotony. It's a daily routine dreaded not just by me but by countless others in our society. At precisely 7:20 a.m., my alarm clock blares with a loud, grating beep, signaling the commencement of yet another day. As I reluctantly open my eyes, I embark on the familiar process of shedding the comforting cocoon of my warm blanket, savoring every last bit of its enveloping warmth. I rub away the remnants of sleep from my eyes, shuffle out of bed, feeling disoriented and ill-prepared for the outside world.

"Mhm… I've been feeling drained for quite some time now."

The moment I rouse from slumber, I make a direct beeline for the restroom to prepare for the day's upcoming events. When I glance into the mirror, I'm taken aback to discover my neck adorned with a series of hickeys. Oh, God! How am I supposed to interpret this situa