Chapter 4 - 3: A Gift from the Heart
The protagonist woke up to the familiar sight of her lit apartment, the quiet hum of city life drifting through the windows. She had no clear recollection of when she had fallen asleep—only that her exhaustion had won out the moment she hit the pillow.
She rolled out of bed, rubbing her eyes, and moved to the kitchen. The aroma of coffee quickly filled the space, but even as she took the first sip, a weight lingered in her chest. Was this what Ellen felt every day? A tiredness that seeped into every part of her existence?
It wasn't just physical exhaustion—it was emotional too, a deep, gnawing fatigue.
At Victoria Housekeeping, the team was gathered around a large, round table. The usual morning chatter was replaced with concerned glances and subdued tones.
Rina broke the silence. "It's been a day since Ellen started her week off, I hope she's doing alright. I'm worried about her."
Corin nodded, adjusting her rag. "Yeah, she's always been laid-back, but it's like she's barely hanging on now. I know we're not supposed to bother her, but something feels... wrong."
Lycaon's voice was measured but firm. "We've worked together for long enough to know when something's off. Ellen's always been dependable, even when she's tired. But lately, she's been acting as if she's pushing through something bigger than just exhaustion. We need to check on her. This isn't just about a break anymore."
Rina exchanged a glance with the others. "Maybe we should check in, not just as coworkers, but as friends. She might be too proud to ask for help, but we can show her we're here."
Corin's eyes lit up. "I've got an idea. What if we get her a Bangboo? A little one—something simple and comforting. A Sharkboo, maybe. She's always been fond of quirky things."
Lycaon considered it thoughtfully, tapping his fingers against the table. "A good idea. But we'll need to do more than just give her a gift. We need to see if she's getting better or if she's slipping further. If she needs help, we're here for her."
At the protagonist apartment they sat in silence, staring at her coffee cup. The early morning stretched ahead of her—another day of isolation. She felt disconnected from Ellen's life, unsure if it was because of the weight of being in someone else's body or if it was the cold reality that she might never truly find herself again.