Even though Julia had a full night’s rest, she still felt exhausted. She couldn’t move and had a headache. There was still that nauseous feeling.

Sunny entered the dorm room with a steaming pot. Behind her, there was Cole with a breakfast tray, a bowl, and a spoon.

“How are you feeling today?” asked Sunny

“Exhausted,” said Julia

“Here, have some chicken soup. I cooked it myself,” said Sunny

“Thanks Sunny,” said Julia

Julia sat down on her bed. Sunny left the soup pot on the desk. She poured a bit into the bowl.

“Can you feed yourself?” said Cole

“Yes,” said Julia

Cole set the breakfast tray which had legs, on Julia’s lap. She was shaking as she blew on the soup and took a sip. Julia was tired of shivering all the time. The soup was light and creamy, but not too creamy. The egg drops were perfect and wispy, and the chicken pieces were filling. Before long, Julia finished the soup.

“Want some more?” said Sunny

“Yes please,” said Julia

Sunny refilled the bowl and Julia finished it within five minutes.

“You’re eating well, that’s a good sign,” said Cole

Julia looked at Cole’s face. His eyebrows were sunken low and made him look sad, as he was looking down. He looked up to meet Julia’s eyes.

“She needs rest,” said Cole “We ought to leave.”

“No, please,” said Julia “I hate being alone.”

Cole and Sunny glanced at each other.

“If you say so,” said Sunny

Julia was lying down in silence. Sunny had a frown as she sat on the chair. Cole leaned against the wall and looked at Julia. Julia was looking into the distance and recalling that nightmare-like situation where she woke up being damaged.

“It’s weird how your phone and wand survived all that,” said Sunny

“Only living beings can be harmed by the DTCA,” said Cole

“Oh…” said Sunny, checking the time on her watch.

“I gotta go, I’ve got class,” said Sunny

“Okay, don’t worry. I’ll be here. One absent won’t hurt,” said Cole

Julia rolled over to look at him.

“You should go,” said Julia

Cole sat down. He nodded to say no.

“There’s no one else to take care of you,” said Cole

Julia closed her eyes and took rest. She wasn’t sleeping though.

She heard a phone ring.

“Hello?” said Cole

After a pause, he said, “No need. I’m skipping class. It’s fine, don’t worry. Come on man, why…”

Cole groaned. It was silent. The air smelled like soup, and the sheets were warm. The white walls seemed to close in. There was a knock at the door. Julia opened her eyes.

Cole looked at the door. He looked at Julia again. The door opened and Silvio appeared with a bag.

“You rascal, you woke her up,” said Cole

“I was awake,” said Julia

Silvio walked closer towards Cole who was staring into Silvio’s eyes with concentration and while clenching his teeth.

“I talked to the doctor and brought you medicine, and extra water bottles,” said Silvio

“Thank you,” said Julia

Cole shrugged.

“And thanks Cole, for donating blood,” said Julia

Cole looked at Julia with piercing sea green eyes, and said, “But I didn’t tell you that, how did you find out?”

“I told her,” said Silvio, yawning

Cole’s eyes widened.

“Sit down,” said Cole, rising up from his chair

“Thanks,” said Silvio, sitting down

There was no sound for a long time except for that of Silvio’s yawns.

“You know,” said Silvio, breaking the silence

The two of them looked at Silvio.

“I realized something. Cole, you and I are fighting for no good reason. If we continue to fight like this, we’ll neglect Julia while she’s in her sick state,” said Silvio

“I agree,” said Cole

“I want to make peace with you, Cole. I should’ve said this when Julia isn’t around, but she also needs to hear about this eventually. Cole, you did say that Julia might have feelings for me, and if I hurt her, you’ll seek revenge. On the other hand, I’d say you’ve got it all wrong. I always thought Julia has feelings for Cole, and rightfully so. When the time comes, it is Julia who will say if she has feelings for anyone, and if she likes anyone at all,” said Silvio

“Agree with this as well,” said Cole

“What do you think, Julia?” said Silvio

“Well, I guess…” said Julia

She had a glimpse of a memory of Cole in the meadow, followed by a memory of walking with Silvio under the moonlight.

“I care about the both of you, and no matter what happens don’t become a stranger to me. I haven’t developed strong feelings for anyone yet, and it’s too soon to tell,” said Julia

“I understand, you’re right,” said Silvio “What about you, Cole?”

“We’re all in this mess together. With the security breached by the DTCA, we all have to stick together. Who knows what will happen? Silvio, I think we should become friends,” said Cole

Silvio looked back at Cole.

“I’ve always respected you,” said Silvio

Julia sighed with a deep breath. Silvio looked back at Julia.

“Can I share my nightmare with you guys?” asked Julia

They nodded. Julia spoke about the nightmare in detail. The others were listening with great concentration. However, Julia yawned and couldn’t keep her eyes open.

“We have to solve this puzzle. Anyway, let’s leave,” Silvio

“I’m worried. She did say she’s scared of being left alone,” said Cole

Julia fell asleep. She had a short dream. She was walking near a cemetery with tears in her eyes. In her arms were white and pink lilies. Silvio and Cole were walking in front of her.

“Here lies Patricia Blossom, 2001-2021”

They were wearing all black. Julia left the lilies on the grave. Cole and Silvio walked off far away, and Julia was struggling to keep up. She entered a garden filled with white and blue roses. She walked past the rose bushes.

Julia sneezed after she woke up. The room was dark. No one was there, and the soup was gone. The phone was put to charge. She turned the phone on. Incoming texts made the phone beep several times. It was ten p.m.

Cole: What do you feel like eating? I’ll bring food tomorrow.

Julia: Strawberry shortcake.

Cole: You sure?

Julia: Yes.

Silvio: I got a surprise gift for you.

Julia: Really? Thank you.

Sunny: Get well soon.