An Inevitable Encounter

I cupped some water in my hands and splashed my face, trying to hide my increasingly tear-filled eyes, and took a deep breath.

Vivian handed me a drink, and I downed it in one gulp, feeling slightly calmer.

I covered my face with a towel and told them, "You two go ahead and chat. I'm going to take a little nap."

"Why do you act like a sleepyhead all day? You were sleeping outside, and now you're going to sleep again?" Monica teased. "What's going on with you?"

"I've been swamped with work lately. I'm about to die of overwork! Just cut me some slack!" I said under the towel, tears already streaming down my face, mingling with the water droplets.

Monica didn't push further and started chatting with Vivian about trivial matters. Once I had calmed down, I removed the towel from my face.