Epilogue (1)

My head feels hazy, as if I’ve only dozed lightly.

My body feels strangely heavy and languid, and even opening my eyes is a struggle.

Perhaps because I’ve only just woken up, I can’t think straight.

Only fragmented thoughts come to me, one after another, before drifting away like smoke.

I was so tired that I considered going back to sleep, but since I was already awake, I decided I might as well get up.

When I tried to move, I felt something behind my knees.

My arms were wrapped around someone’s shoulders.

Thud, thud.

Footsteps echoed in my ears.

I could feel a warm, sturdy back...