Theresia was still holding Viona when she noticed something—her friend's body felt warmer than usual.
She released their embrace and looked at Viona anxiously. "Vi, why are you so warm?"
Viona wiped her still-wet eyes. "I'm fine," she murmured softly, her voice hoarse and weak.
Theresia sighed. "Don't lie to me. Just holding your hand tells me you're running a fever." She stood up, took the back of her hand, and placed it on Viona's forehead. Sure enough—hot.
"You must have caught a cold from the rain earlier," Theresia continued, remembering how Viona had cried outside when the rain fell.
"I'm alright, Theres," Viona still tried to convince her, even though it was clear her body wasn't cooperating.
Theresia frowned. "Don't be stubborn. You need to eat something before taking your medicine."
She quickly left the room and returned a few minutes later with a bowl of warm soup that she had cooked earlier. The soft aroma of the broth filled the room, slightly soothing Viona's still chaotic mood.
"I heated it up again," Theresia said as she handed the spoon to Viona. "Take your time eating."
Viona stared at the soup for a moment before finally taking her spoon and spooning a little into her mouth. The warmth immediately spread in her throat, providing some comfort amidst her discomfort.
Theresia sat beside her, watching her attentively. "After this, I'll get you some medicine, and then you can sleep, okay?"
Viona only nodded slowly, feeling too tired to argue. After she managed to finish most of the soup, Theresia offered her the medicine and a glass of water.
"Come on, drink," she said gently.
Viona complied, swallowing the medicine with water before leaning back against the pillow again. As Theresia placed a cold compress on her forehead, she felt a bit more comfortable, even though her body still felt weak.
Theresia sat beside Viona's bed, looking at her friend with concern. "Vi, you're not alone, okay? I'm here, and James is worried about you too. We're all here for you."
Viona closed her eyes, tears still flowing at the corners of her eyes. But this time, she felt a little calmer. At least, there was someone who still cared about her.
The doorbell rang, breaking the silence in the room.
Theresia quickly turned to the door before looking back at Viona, who was still lying weakly. "Wait a moment, let me see who it is."
Viona nodded slightly, her eyes still closed.
Theresia got up and left the room to walk toward the front door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see James standing there—and beside him, Steve.
"You guys?" Theresia furrowed her brow.
James lifted the plastic bag he was carrying. "I brought porridge for Viona. I was really worried when you said she had a fever."
Steve, who had been silent, finally spoke. "I'm worried too. I heard about Frans..." He trailed off, hesitant to continue. "I just wanted to check on Viona."
Theresia sighed and opened the door wider. "Come in."
James and Steve stepped inside, then waited in the living room while Theresia returned to the bedroom. Viona was still in the same position, but now her eyes were slightly open, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Vi," Theresia called softly.
"Hm?"
"James and Steve are here. They're worried about you."
Viona was silent for a moment before finally whispering, "I don't want to see anyone right now."
Theresia took her friend's hand. "I know you don't want to talk, but maybe this can actually help you. They care about you, Vi. You're not alone."
Viona blinked slowly, weighing Theresia's words. In her head, she still felt heavy. But deep inside her heart, there was a small part that felt slightly touched—there were still people who truly cared about her.
With a slow breath, she nodded weakly. "Okay."
Theresia smiled gently and patted Viona's hand lightly before returning to the living room. "Vi wants to see you guys," she said to James and Steve.
They exchanged glances before standing up. Steve looked a bit hesitant, but he ultimately followed James into Viona's room.
As the bedroom door opened, Steve held his breath for a moment. Viona looked much paler than usual, her eyes swollen, her hair still slightly damp from the shower. She appeared fragile, different from the usually strong and cheerful Viona.
James approached first, placing the plastic bag containing porridge on the small table. "Vi, I brought you some food. To help you get better."
Viona gave a small smile, though it was weak. "Thanks, James."
Steve remained standing at the doorframe, watching Viona with unreadable eyes. Viona turned to him, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Then finally, with a voice barely above a whisper, Steve said, "I'm glad you still want to see me."
Viona looked deep into his eyes. There were so many emotions in that gaze—sadness, disappointment, exhaustion. But there was also a glimmer of gratitude.
In the midst of her pain, she realized one thing: there were still people who cared for her. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to help her rise again.
Theresia gently patted Viona's hand. "Alright, Vi. You rest now. If you need anything, just call me."
James nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you need to sleep to get better. If you need anything, we'll be right outside."
Steve still stood where he was, taking one last look at Viona before finally saying, "We'll go out for a bit, but if you need someone to listen, I'm here."
Viona looked at the three of them, then nodded slowly. "Thank you, everyone."
Theresia smiled, adjusting Viona's blanket before standing up. James took the plastic bag of porridge he had brought, while Steve glanced once more at Viona before turning to leave.
The three of them quietly exited the room, leaving Viona to rest. Once the door closed, Viona stared at the ceiling with increasingly heavy eyes.
Perhaps this was the first time in several days she felt a little more at peace.
Once they were out of Viona's room, Theresia looked at James and Steve with raised eyebrows.
"How did you guys end up coming together?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
James shrugged. "I was on my way here when Steve suddenly called me."
Theresia frowned and turned to Steve. "How did you get James's number?"
Steve shoved his hands into his pockets, looking a little awkward. "I tried to contact Viona earlier, but she didn't reply. I was worried, so I looked for another way."
James chimed in, "In the end, he asked Sharone for my number. Then I told him I was also on my way here, so we decided to come together."
Theresia looked back and forth between them before sighing. "No wonder. But thanks for coming. I've been really worried about her too."
Steve glanced at Viona's bedroom door for a moment before saying quietly, "Me too."
Theresia looked at Steve with a scrutinizing gaze. After a moment, she suddenly asked, "By the way, how's your relationship with Sharone?"
James, who was getting a drink in the kitchen, turned around in surprise. "Wait, why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
Steve also looked a little startled, but he quickly regained his composure. "What do you mean?"
Theresia crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you two still okay?"
Steve was silent for a moment before replying, "We're doing fine."
However, something in his tone made Theresia more suspicious. "Are you sure?" she asked again, sharpening her gaze.
Steve sighed and shrugged. "Our relationship… it's just like that."
James frowned at him. "What do you mean?"
Steve didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up a bottle of mineral water from the table and sipped it slowly before finally saying, "Sharone and I have a little problem."
Theresia frowned. "What kind of little problem?"
Steve gave a small smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Let's not discuss it now. What's more important right now is Viona."
Theresia and James exchanged glances, knowing that Steve was avoiding that topic. But they also realized it wasn't the right time to discuss it further.
Finally, Theresia just sighed and said, "Alright. But if you need to talk later, just let me know."
Steve nodded slowly. "Thanks, Theres."
After that, the three of them fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.