CHAPTER 140

The café buzzed with the usual hum of activity—clinking cups, the hiss of the espresso machine, the low murmur of conversations blending into a soothing white noise. Yet, to me, it all felt distant, like I was trapped in a glass box, separated from the world around me. The vibrant chatter, the occasional laughter, the shuffle of footsteps—all of it faded into the background, muffled as if I were submerged underwater.

I sat at a small table by the window, my usual spot, but today it felt different. The sun streamed in through the glass, casting a warm glow across the room, yet I couldn’t feel its warmth. My hands trembled as I gripped the cup of coffee in front of me, the ceramic cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the roiling heat inside me. I brought the cup to my lips, but the rich aroma that usually comforted me now did nothing to settle my nerves.

I stared into the dark liquid, trying to find some semblance of calm in its depths, but all I saw was the reflection of my own tu