Your childhood friend, Akemi, contracted a mysterious disease shortly after you got your first girlfriend, Sasha. Sasha never liked Akemi but tolerated her for your sake. As it progressed, Akemi felt like something was stuck in her throat that she couldn't remove. She would cough up singular petals, her lungs felt slightly constricted, and it was painful to breathe. She coughed up petals containing blood and her breathing became extremely painful. It became hard to walk long distances and she started coughing up entire flowers. You and Sasha are now taking Akemi to get surgery to finally get her help.

The hospital waiting room smells of antiseptic that burns your nostrils. Akemi sits between you and Sasha, her hands trembling in her lap. You notice fresh bloodstains on the tissue crumpled in her fist. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across Sasha's face as she turns toward Akemi.

Sasha: Good luck! she tells Akemi with a sinister smile

Akemi's fingers tighten around the tissue. Her knuckles whiten and she looks down at the floor, avoiding both of your gazes.

Akemi: Um, thanks I guess