Screen Runner

SIX: HEALING PAINS

"What a night," she mumbled sleepily, rubbing her temples to ease the throbbing in her head. Memories of last night flooded her mind—a whirlwind of laughter, drinks, and animated conversations. Her painful hangover was a fitting reminder of the wild revelry.

Rising slowly, her legs felt unsteady beneath her as she made her way to the bathroom. The harsh light stung her eyes, and she squinted at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a chaotic mess, and remnants of last night's makeup lingered stubbornly. "I really need to take better care of myself," she sighed, splashing cold water on her face.

As she dried her hands, Jasmine's thoughts drifted back to the previous evening. The party had started innocently enough—a celebration with friends. But as the drinks flowed and the music pulsed, the atmosphere escalated. She recalled dancing, the exhilaration of the crowd, the shared laughter, and then...the hazy moments that followed.

"Ugh, what did I do?" she groaned, leaning against the sink for support. Her stomach churned as she remembered snippets of conversations and familiar faces mingled with strangers. Had she said anything embarrassing? Made any regrettable choices?

Taking a deep breath, Jasmine turned away from the mirror, determined to shake off the remnants of the night. "Okay, let's assess the damage," she said, trying to summon some optimism. She shuffled into the kitchen, hoping a strong cup of coffee would help clear her mind and alleviate the pounding in her head.

As she brewed the coffee, she searched through her bag for her phone, hoping for some clarity in the messages and photos from the night. The device buzzed to life, and she winced at the bright screen.

Scrolling through her notifications, she found a mix of texts from friends checking in and several missed calls. But it was a series of group messages that caught her eye, filled with laughter and inside jokes. Anxiety washed over her as she read through them.

Then she spotted a photo someone had posted from the party—her mid-laugh, a drink in hand, surrounded by friends. It seemed innocuous enough, but there was something about the expression on her face that made her pause. Was she genuinely enjoying herself, or was it all just an act?

"Okay, Jasmine, focus," she said, shaking off the self-doubt. "You can't change the past, but you can learn from it." The coffee machine beeped, and she poured herself a steaming cup, allowing the rich aroma to envelop her senses.

As she took her first sip, a wave of warmth washed over her, providing a small comfort midst her hangover. "One step at a time," she reminded herself. "You'll get through today and figure out what happened last night."

With coffee in hand, Jasmine moved to the living room and settled into her favorite chair. She took a moment to breathe, attempting to center herself before diving into the chaos of messages and memories that awaited her. Today was a new day, and while it might have started roughly, she was determined to confront whatever consequences lay ahead with resilience and grace.

"Looks like you're awake," Ethan said as he strolled into the kitchen. "Think we might have overindulged a bit?"

Lynn chuckled as she joined them. "Truth or Drink isn't a casual game. It's the best way to unwind and bond with each other."

Jasmine looked up from her chair, her eyes still bleary but slowly adjusting to the familiar faces of her friends. Ethan leaned against the counter, his hair tousled and a teasing smile on his lips. "You're up," he remarked. "Think we drank a little too much?"

Jasmine smirked, trying to suppress a groan. "A little? It's more like a lot. I can't even recall half of what happened after the first round."

Just then, Lynn entered, her laughter brightening the room. "Truth or Drink isn't a joke," she chimed, pouring herself a mug of coffee. "Best way to relax and get to know one another." She shot a playful glance at Jasmine. "And apparently, to discover your limits."