Rika's body, a heavy burden, seemed to drag her down with each step. Her feet struggled to keep up as if shackled by invisible chains. Every movement was a struggle, as if she were walking on air, her steps devoid of their usual impact.
Moreover, she could not tell if this was the side effect of her medicine or another medical condition Rika would ignore.
"Oh my! You sure slept for much longer than I expected you to. Are you sure you are alright? You don't need anything more to make yourself comfortable, right? You can tell me if there is anything you want."
The dorm lady was extra kind, and Rika spotted many of her favourite dishes in the mix before her.
Although these dishes were off the menu for the day, Rika was assured that the dorm lady had prepared them specifically for her.
Even Charon did not complain about the menu change, and she quietly sat down to eat. It made Rika feel accepted and cared for in a way she had never felt before.