Frederica

When Marigold returned to the hotel, she was utterly exhausted, collapsing directly onto the bed. Her stomach was in agonizing pain, churning violently. Struggling, she turned on the bedside lamp in an attempt to find some emergency medication in her portable medicine case.

Unfortunately, in the dimly lit room, she accidentally knocked over the medicine case. Not only that, but she also stumbled over scattered small boxes on the floor. Despite her quick reflexes and using her knee and palms to break the fall, she still took a sturdy tumble.

Aching misery surged through her limbs, compounded by the discomfort in her stomach. She clutched her knees, unable to bear the distress, and began to weep.

The door creaked open gently. A gentle voice cautiously inquired, "Mary? Are you crying?"

Marigold, with a touch of irritation, retorted, "Do I sound like I'm laughing?"