CHAPTER 24: Harsh

She was broken; her hands were cold, her heart was beating slowly, and her eyes were teary. Her face was flushed, and her head was hot as she suffered from a fever. We took a taxi to her apartment, and I lifted her into my arms to carry her upstairs. She looked at me, holding me tightly. 

Once we reached her door, I laid her on the bed and covered her with a blanket. It was already late, so I told her to sleep; she wasn't hungry. After a moment, she dozed off, still holding my hand. I sat beside her bed, and I don't remember when I fell asleep. 

I woke up to the sun shining on my face, but I noticed that Saru was not in her bed. I called out, "Saru!" When I stood up, I saw her standing on the balcony. I walked over to her and said, "Saru." She looked at me, surprised. "Oh, you're up," she replied. I asked, "How are you feeling now?" She smiled at me, and I placed my hand on her forehead. She seemed to be okay fever was not there. I responded with a soft "Hmm." She then moved inside and said, "I want to go to the library." I replied, "Yeah, of course. So, may I leave?" She responded, "Yes, I think you should also take some rest," smiling at me.