The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as Chihara dragged herself up the stairs. “I’m home!” she called out, her voice a faint echo in the quiet house. Her mother, Adelia Joy, emerged from the kitchen, a spatula in hand, the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air. “Welcome back, honey! Are you hungry?” she asked with a radiant smile. “No, Mommy. I’m tired. I’m going to take a nap first,” Chihara replied, her gaze heavy with exhaustion. Adelia sighed, watching her daughter’s slouched posture, before heading back to the kitchen. Chihara’s bedroom, a sanctuary of cluttered textbooks and mementos, offered dim light from a single lamp. She dropped her heavy bag, sinking into her chair, the weight of college assignments pressing down on her. Her body ached, a vague sense of dread unsettling her. Shaking her head, she decided a nap was essential. With a resigned sigh, she walked to her bed, peeling off her clothes and slipping under the blanket, quickly drifting into a deep sleep.