THE CAGE - LINGORM

VIII

Orm's first few weeks were a blur of nausea and exhaustion. Every morning, she woke up feeling like she was going to throw up. The smell of coffee, which she used to love, made her feel even worse. Even her favorite breakfast made her sick. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. It was like her body was playing tricks on her. She felt constantly tired and drained. She was constantly fighting against the feeling of being sick, and it took all her energy. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, and the world felt dull and quiet. Even simple things, like getting out of bed felt like huge challenges. She couldn't focus, her head pounding with a constant ache. More often than not, she found herself slumped over, hands pressed against her temples, trying to quiet the storm brewing inside her. Her usual sharp focus was gone.

The woman boss noticed her rubbing her forehead and looked concerned. "Are you okay? You look really pale."

She gave a small smile and shook her head. "I'm fine, just didn't get much sleep last night. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Are you sure? I was going to ask you to give this folder to Lingling, but if you're tired you can sleep. I'll ask Engfah to do it instead." Pansa said.

"Yes." She said, standing up and taking the folder from the older woman. But as she started to walk, she almost stumbled and fell. Luckily, Pansa's quick reflexes caught her before she hit the ground.

"Orm?!" Pansa panicked, lightly tapping her cheek. She was terrified as she realized the girl had fainted. Her face was as pale as snow. "Help!" She screamed, calling out to one of the men nearby. "Ready the car, we're bringing Orm to the hospital!" Her arms, though strong, felt shaky as she carefully lowered her onto the plush couch. She cradled the younger woman's head against the cushions, making sure she was comfortable. Orm stirred, opening her eyes as she attempted to sit up. "Orm, hold on. We're taking you to the hospital right now."

"I'm okay, we don't need to go." She mumbled, trying to sit up. Pansa gently guided her back down, helping her lean against the cushions. "Why didn't you say anything when you weren't feeling well? It's a good thing this happened before you got behind the wheel."

Pansa's phone suddenly buzzed, interrupting them. She sighed and answered the call.

"Is Orm there? She's not answering my call."

She glanced at Orm, then refocused her attention on the call. "She's here. She just fainted. We're about to take her to the hospital."

"What?! What happened? Wait, I'm gonna send my private doctor there. I'm coming!" Lingling exclaimed, her voice laced with panic. Pansa opened her mouth to respond, but the call abruptly ended.

Lingling, on the other hand, immediately sped off towards her stepsister's house. It didn't take long for her to arrive, and she practically leaped out of her car the moment she pulled up. As she rushed inside, she found Orm leaning against the couch, Milk by her side. "Orm? Milk, what happened?" She asked worriedly.

"She wasn't feeling well, so she fainted." Milk explained, her voice calm but her eyes reflecting concern.

Lingling sighed and knelt down in front of Orm, taking her hands on her own. Just then, one of the bodyguard approached them. "Boss, the doctor is here."

A small, cute woman then walked towards them, her presence radiating a calming energy. Pansa's lips parted slightly, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the doctor's appearance. "Love." She mouthed silently.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, before the doctor quickly looked away, her gaze settling on the other women. "Let me check on her." she said, her tone professional.