My eyes momentarily drift from his to see others looming behind him.
His friends I assume.
Strong arms catch me before I hit the ground completely, cradling me as the last threads of consciousness slip away. I surrender to the darkness, my body finally succumbing to the exhaustion and hunger that have plagued me for far too long.
I hope they don’t leave me in this corridor, I think faintly, as my world fades to black.
TEN
Rule Number Seven ofAdeline’s Guide to Overcoming Loneliness:Adeline, write down three things you noticed today. Just things that caught your attention; the sound of rain, the laugh of a stranger in the distance. It doesn’t have to be every day, just some days. Noticing things outside yourself can make the loneliness feel just a bit overshadowed, even if it’s just for a moment.
My eyes flutter open, and for a brief moment, I’m enveloped in confusion. The surroundings seem unfamiliar; the air scented with antiseptic.
It takes a few seconds for my senses to adjust, and for my mind to catch up with my surroundings. I’m lying in a bed—surprisingly comfortable—in… the school’s medical wing?
The events leading up to this moment begin to slowly piece together in my mind.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and calm the remnants of panic. My breath hitches, and I press a hand to my chest, trying to steady my racing heartbeat and quell the lingering panic.
I fainted.
I fainted.
Seriously?
I can’t believe that happened again. Seeing me awake, the nurse makes her way over, concern etched on her face. “Hellothere, you’re awake. How are you feeling?” she says gently, reassuring. And as much as I would like to express my gratitude, the situation also isn’t ideal.
“What happened? Why am I here? Did something…?” My questions tumble out in a rush.
“Take a deep breath, dear,” she interrupts, her gaze steady. “You seem to have fainted. You collapsed in the hallway, and Liam Grey brought you here.”
Liam Grey?
The name rings a bell. Lilia had mentioned him once.
The nurse continues to speak, but I can’t seem to stop my mind from drifting off. I was certain I had seen a different pair of eyes before everything went black. Why had Liam been the one to bring me here?
Why would he? No one’s ever done that before, not even my sisters.
“Now, Adeline, can you recall what happened before you fainted? Did you feel lightheaded or experience any unusual symptoms?” The nurse’s voice cuts through my reverie.
My nerves tighten. I know deep down that I should be honest… yet I can’t bring myself to admit it.
That I have been starving myself for my sisters.
That I can’t afford a proper meal.
“Um, well… I… I’m not really sure. I think I just felt a bit dizzy. It’s probably nothing. I’ve been pushing myself too hard lately.”
The lie slips out so easily I almost hate myself for it. The nurse just stares, her gaze so intense I’m shocked I don’t spill the beans right then and there. Technically it wasn’t acompletelie.
“Adeline, it’s important to be honest about what you’re experiencing. Fainting can be a sign of underlying issues, and it’s crucial to address them. Are you sure you’ve been feeling fine lately? This isn’t the first time, is it?”
My chest tightens. Breathe. Just breathe.
“No, this is the first time,” I manage, my voice shaking. “I promise, I’ll take it easy from now on. It was probably just a fluke.”
I am terrible at lying under pressure. Obviously. The nurse doesn’t look convinced either. Her eyes bore into mine, as if that would carve the truth out of me.
