My eyes slowly open to the white ceiling above me. I stare blankly for a moment before rubbing my eyes and pushing myself upright. My body feels weak, like it's carrying the weight of the night.
Reaching for my phone, I see more than a hundred missed calls from Jimmy and several from Secretary Joe. My lips move in a faint murmur. "Why did Secretary Joe call me again…"
Without thinking too much, I type a quick message to my old apartment landlord. Today I'm moving back to the apartment.
I set the phone back on the bedside table. It's decided. It's time to return to the place that once felt like mine. I've missed it more than I realized.
My phone buzzes again. I grab it quickly. A reply from the landlord flashes on the screen. Okay.
I stretch and force myself to stand, but dizziness washes over me. My body reminds me of the truth—I haven't eaten since yesterday. My stomach twists painfully. I order breakfast, and soon the food arrives.
