After Carmen left, I sprawled out on the couch, savoring the slice of pizza in my hand. The rich, cheesy taste was a delightful rebellion against the rigid dietary restrictions Carmen had implied earlier.
I felt a strange mix of relief and satisfaction as I indulged in this simple pleasure. It was a small act of defiance that brought me a surprising amount of joy.
When I finished, I stood up and tossed the empty pizza box into the bin. Stretching lazily, I wandered back to my room, feeling the weight of the day's events slowly melt away. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light, drifting into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The next morning, I was jolted awake by a loud shout. Groggily, I opened my eyes to see Carmen standing at the foot of my bed. She was dressed in sleek, black workout gear that hugged her muscular frame.
