Her eyes lingered on the tonics, and Charlotte's words echoed in her mind: "Take it in small portions."
A tempting thought arose: "Shall I try it?"
But instantly, a cautionary voice within her countered, "Akai, what are you thinking? Don't do it."
Another, more persuasive voice whispered, "Come on, Akai, a little portion won't harm you."
Akai's inner turmoil intensified. She shook her head resolutely, silencing the conflicting voices.
"No, no.." she whispered firmly, pushing aside the temptation.Akai turned away from the tonics, leaving them untouched.
