Sane

chapter 4

August 11,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Niya POV

After school, Niya flopped onto the couch, her backpack sliding off her shoulder and hitting the floor with a soft thud. Asia, her younger sister, was already sprawled out on the other end, scrolling through her phone.

"Hey, how was your day?" Asia asked without looking up.

I sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It was just... ugh. Same as always. The popular kids were at it again, fighting over nothing. I swear, they act like their lives depend on who's dating who."

Asia chuckled. "Sounds about right. Did you talk to anyone interesting?"

"Not really. Just the usual crowd. But there's this new guy, Dezmon. He's different—kind of intriguing, but I don't know if I want to deal with that right now."

Asia perked up. "Ooh, a new guy? What's he like?"

"He's got this vibe, you know? Like he doesn't care about all the drama. But I'm not looking to get involved in anything complicated."I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

"Come on! You can't just ignore someone interesting because you're a loner," Asia teased, nudging her sister. "You should at least talk to him."

"Yeah, well, we'll see," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I just want to get through this year without any more drama."

Asia rolled her eyes playfully. "Good luck with that! High school is basically one big drama fest."

I laughed softly, grateful for her sister's light-heartedness. "True. But I'd rather keep my distance from all that noise."

"Just don't shut everyone out completely," Asia said seriously. "You never know who might surprise you."

I nodded, knowing my sister had a point but feeling hesitant about opening up to anyone new—especially someone like Dezmon.

August 12,2016
Brookhaven,New York

Asia POV

"Niya, I don't feel well. Can I stay home today?" Asia asked, her voice tinged with fatigue.

"Yes, you can," Niya replied gently. "I've got some soup in the microwave. We can go to the doctor's as soon as I get out of school, okay?"

Asia nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. For the past two weeks, she'd been waking up to cough up blood, a secret she kept from Niya to avoid adding to her sister's stress. Niya had her own struggles with bipolar disorder—a fact Asia discovered by accident when she found the pills hidden in Niya's room. It hurt to know Niya was keeping secrets, but Asia understood why.

Later that day, after school, they sat in the doctor's office. The sterile environment did nothing to calm their nerves. When the doctor delivered the devastating news that Asia had a rare disease with limited time left, both sisters were stunned into silence.

As they left the office, Niya wrapped an arm around Asia, determined to be there for her sister just as Asia had always been there for her. "We'll face this together," Niya whispered, trying to sound braver than she felt.

Asia nodded, grateful for Niya's strength and support as they prepared to navigate this new and uncertain reality together.