Twenty Two

< Nina >

It’s strange, really. I don’t normally faint in front of anyone, let alone in front of Gene and my mom.

But looking back, I had signs of losing consciousness on my first day of school: with Clarence and his warning, about Gene’s situation and well, Luca.

Speaking of Luca, I remember the events before fainting, I made a stupid move, right? Like some kind of soap opera stunt that only happens if it’s intentional...yet, once again, I made a fool of myself landing on him right AFTER he helped me out.

I won’t blame him if he finally snaps from any rationality and decides to kick me out. I mean he was forced to be my guardian, right?

I finally lift my eyes open, the once blurry vision slowly returns back to normal. And I see an unfamiliar ceiling that doesn’t seem the same as my bedroom.

The first thing that registers in my mind is the sound of boiling water then the faint aroma that I find it hard to decipher.

“W-where am I?” I ask myself.

“Oh, kid, you’re finally awake.”

My head