Fourteen. She is waiting for you to come back

"You look pale."

It was the morning after Shelley's return.

She sat opposite Trance, her face appearing stiff, as if covered with a layer of human skin.

"I... I'm fine."

Trance mustered a forced smile, continuing to stir his milk absentmindedly, his mind crammed with the scene from the night before.

"I plan to rest for a few days... I've been feeling very tired lately." Shelley ran her fingers through her hair, a handful of strands slipping from her fingertips, scattering beside the elbow on the dining table.

She didn't notice this.

"Alright, alright... I'll talk to the manager."

Trance stared blankly at the clump of withered hair, swiftly averting his gaze when Shelley looked over, stumbling over his response.