Chapter 45: †REFRESHING†

Aria carefully leaned against the bathroom wall, her weight shifting onto her good leg. The cool tile provided a soothing feeling to her warm skin, easing the tension in her muscles.

She dropped her stick against the floor with a hollow sound that echoed through the silence.

Aria's eyes fell upon her reflection in the mirror, her eyes moving onto the worn and faded military uniform that cling to her frame.( she is not wearing her uniform jacket)

The creases and scars on her trouser's fabric told stories of sweat, blood and sacrifice. Her hand moved but she hesitated for a moment as she steeled herself for the task ahead.

Then with a deep breath and exhale, she began to open the buttons on her trousers.

One by one, each button was released with a soft click, and her injured wrist throbbed in protest, the pain shooting up her arm like a spark.

Aria gritted her teeth but she persisted. Her good hand filling in for the injured one.