My stomach betrayed me again.

The loud growl echoed in my room, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since morning. I had been lying on the bed crying since sunrise, and now it was almost evening. My eyes were swollen, my chest heavy, and my head ached.

I wanted to keep lying there, but the hunger dragged me back. My body was weak. I pushed myself up slowly, dragging my feet to the door. Even the wooden handle felt heavy in my palm. With all my strength, I pulled it open.

The air outside my room ...