Chapter 136: Climbing

I woke up to the soft rays of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. My head felt heavy, and the remnants of yesterday's emotions still clung to me. As I sat up, I noticed a tray of food beside the bed. The sight of it made my stomach rumble; I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

Just then, Zaya walked in, her usual bright smile lighting up her face. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she said, placing a glass of orange juice on the tray. "I thought you could use some breakfast."

"Thanks, Zaya," I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "Is Carmen still here?"

Zaya's smile faltered for a moment. "No, she left early this morning. Didn't say much, just...left."

A pang of sadness hit me. Carmen had looked so broken last night, and now she was gone without a word. "Oh," was all I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.