This morning, I woke up feeling tired. I had forgotten to turn off the heater, and Mum reminded me. I took bus 28 out. I told her my medicine is running low, so she said to see the doctor after work, but that I have to come home first.

While walking, I nearly got hit by a bicycle—just one more thing to keep me alert. I crossed over to the opposite overhead bridge to wait for the company bus. When I sat down, the lady nearby shifted away from me a little. It stung, even if I pretended not to notice.

I downloaded the Microsoft Teams app and saw a message waiting for me. It made my heart flutter for a moment, though I didn’t reply.

As I walked toward the bus, I gave a small heart gesture and turned my head away, smiling at my own silliness. I said hi to someone after she greeted another colleague loudly. I also gave her some money to help me buy lunch tomorrow, but she subtly signaled me to keep quiet. Maybe it wasn’t the right time.

Everything felt a little loud and quiet at once.