When Valerie woke up the next morning, she felt her entire body aching. The memories of the past days and yesterday's events flashed through her mind. She sat on her bed, ran a hand on her face, and sighed. It appeared as though a truck had struck her. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest as she tried to move. She couldn't help but wonder how she had felt this way and what exactly had happened the day before.
"Take it easy, Val," she heard Adrienne say from the other bed. "Are you in pain? Should I call a doctor for you?"
Valerie shook her head and faced Adrienne. There were many things she wanted to tell Adrienne about how she was feeling, but the words seemed to get caught in her throat.
She mustered a weak smile and replied, "I'll be alright, just a little sore. I just need some rest and time to gather my thoughts."
Adrienne nodded and looked thoughtful.
"It must have been hard for you to see Airi die like that."