Call out my name

seven

A throbbing pain pulsed behind Ling's eyes as consciousness slowly reclaimed her. The room spun, a dizzying carousel of colors and shapes. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she groaned, pulling a pillow over her head.

The last thing she remembered was the loud music, the flashing lights, and Orm's intense gaze. She had felt a strange connection with Orm that night, a vulnerability she hadn't experienced in a long time. But that was all a hazy blur now, lost in the fog of a monstrous hangover.

With effort, she pushed herself upright and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The world tilted dangerously, and she grabbed onto the nightstand for support. Her stomach churned as she stumbled to the bathroom.

After a torturous bout with nausea, Ling managed to splash some water on her face. Her reflection stared back at her, a pale, puffy-eyed ghost of her usual self. She groaned again, wondering how she was going to survive the day.

Ling managed to stumble into the kitchen, the linoleum floor cold against her bare feet. The acrid taste of bile rose in her throat, and she dashed to the sink, her hands braced on the counter. She ran the cold water, splashing it on her face. It did little to cool the burning sensation in her head.

A glance at the clock told her it was barely 10 in the morning. A groan escaped her lips. She needed coffee, strong coffee. With trembling hands, she managed to brew a pot. The rich aroma filled the small apartment, promising salvation.

As she waited for the coffee to finish, she sank into the worn armchair, the soft cushions offering a temporary respite from the world. She closed her eyes, trying to piece together the events of the night before. There were flashes of laughter, loud music, and Orm's intense gaze. She remembered feeling a strange connection with Orm, a vulnerability she hadn't experienced in a long time. But the details were fuzzy, like a half-remembered dream.

The caffeine was starting to kick in, chasing away the last remnants of her hangover. Ling sat on the couch, nursing her coffee, and tried to focus on the events of the previous night. The memories were hazy, but one image was particularly clear: Orm.

There was something about Orm that intrigued her, a depth and complexity that drew her in. She had always been drawn to strong, independent women, but Orm was different. There was a vulnerability beneath her tough exterior, a sadness that hinted at a troubled past.

Ling had felt a strange connection with Orm that night, a sense of understanding that was rare between acquaintances. She wondered if she had imagined it, or if there was something deeper between them. The thought made her heart race.

The cafeteria was a bustling hive of activity, a cacophony of chatter and clatter. Ling sat alone at a table, her gaze fixed on the untouched food in front of her. Her mind, however, was far removed from the present moment, lost in a labyrinth of thoughts.

Meena, Ling's best friend, watched her with concern. She had known Ling for years, and she could usually tell when something was off. Today, Ling seemed more distant than usual, her eyes holding a troubled look.

"You okay, Ling?" Meena asked, sliding into the chair across from her.

Ling managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely audible.

Meena wasn't convinced. She reached across the table and took Ling's hand. "Come on, spill it. What's going on?"

Ling hesitated, her eyes darting around the cafeteria. She didn't want to burden Meena with her problems, but she also craved the comfort of her friend's company.

Ling's mind raced as Meena's hand squeezed hers reassuringly. She wanted to confide in her best friend, to share the turmoil she was experiencing. But the words were stuck in her throat, like a stubborn lump.

She thought about Orm. The intensity of their encounter, the strange connection she had felt. It was like a puzzle with missing pieces, a mystery she desperately wanted to solve. But the more she thought about it, the more confused she became. Was she simply infatuated, or was there something deeper?

Meena's voice pulled her back to the present. "Ling, you've been awfully quiet. Is it about Orm?"

Ling's heart skipped a beat. How did Meena know? She had only mentioned Orm in passing. But then, Meena had always been perceptive.

Ling nodded slowly, her eyes avoiding Meena's gaze. "I don't know what to think," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Ling felt a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, she was relieved to finally confide in someone about her feelings for Orm. Meena had always been a safe haven, a constant source of support. But on the other hand, admitting her feelings out loud made them seem more real, more tangible.

She found herself replaying the night of the party in her mind. Orm's intensity, her touch, the way she looked at her – it all seemed to take on a new meaning now. Was it possible that she was falling for Orm? The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.

She had always been cautious when it came to relationships, wary of getting hurt. But there was something about Orm that was different. It was like a force pulling her in, despite her reservations.

Meena squeezed Ling's hand reassuringly. "I know this is tough, Ling. But you know me, I'm always here for you, no matter what."

Ling nodded, grateful for Meena's unwavering support. "I know," she replied, her voice barely audible. "It's just... I don't know what to do."

"You don't have to know right away," Meena said gently. "Just take things one step at a time. Explore your feelings, see where they lead you."

Ling considered Meena's words. It was sound advice, but easier said than done. Her heart was a battlefield, with conflicting emotions vying for dominance.

"What if I get hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Meena's expression softened. "Of course, there's always a risk. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it. You deserve to be happy, Ling. And if there's a chance of finding that happiness with Orm, then maybe it's worth taking the risk."

Ling nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. Meena's words resonated with her, a gentle push towards a path she was hesitant to take. She had always been careful, playing it safe, but maybe it was time to embrace a little uncertainty.

"You're right," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Maybe I should give it a chance."

A surge of excitement and trepidation coursed through her veins. The possibility of a relationship with Orm was both thrilling and terrifying. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but there was a part of her that longed for something more.

As she looked at Meena, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. Her best friend had always been there for her, offering support and guidance. With Meena by her side, she felt a little less afraid to face whatever the future held.