Stacy stirred from her slumber, her head throbbing as if a small drum corps had taken up residence inside. With a groan, she reached up to her temples, trying to soothe the pounding ache.
The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a blinding glow that made her squint as she attempted to open her eyes.
Blinking against the brightness, she gradually adjusted to the light, her surroundings coming into focus.
Beside her, An Xin lay peacefully, undisturbed by Stacy's discomfort. A soft smile graced Stacy's lips as she watched her friend sleep, a testament to the tranquility of the moment amidst her own turmoil.
Gingerly, she sat up, her hand still cradling her throbbing head as she surveyed the room.
Before she could make it to the bathroom to tend to her aching head, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she called out, the words muffled by the lingering fog of sleep.