EPISODE 3

**Zayana's POV**

Doctor: "There's nothing to worry about. We'll run a few more tests and prescribe medication. It can be treated with the right medicines."

Stephen (Zayana's brother): "Doctor, are you sure there's no serious concern?"

Doctor: "No, no. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine."

We all stood up, thanked the doctor, and left the room together. The walk back was eerily silent, as if I had placed the tumor inside my body with my own hands. No one was talking to me. Irritated, I turned on some music to break the heavy atmosphere, and the mood lightened just a bit. Turning to Stacy, I said, "Let's head to my place. We have unfinished business."

Stacy: "But I need to leave before evening. I still have an assignment to finish."

Zayana: "You can leave later. After A while"

Stacy: "Ok."

I nodded absentmindedly, I looked out the window, wishing this day could be the end of my life. Maybe then, everyone’s life would get easier. Everyone’s worried about me, and when I get home, Dad will just say it's all an act. Hahaha, what a life.

We reached home, and soon enough, we picked up where we left off.

Stacy: "I'll make a fake account, one that we can both log into from our phones."

Zayana: "Stacy, I can’t keep a dating app on my phone. If anyone sees it, no one will believe me. They'll think I'm just on it to satisfy my lust and desires."

Stacy: "It’s only for a while. Just hide the app. No one will notice."

I fell silent, a sense of dread settling in my chest. I don't know why, but I felt like my life was about to take a dark turn. Don’t ask me how, but I just knew.

The app was downloaded, and Stacy created the account. Afterward, she hugged me and left for her home. I threw myself into some chores, trying to get through the day. I was exhausted from waking up early for school, so as soon as I hit the bed, it felt like I drifted off to sleep instantly, as if I had taken some heavy sedative.

---

**The Next Morning**

*Ringg ringggg ringggg* (phone buzzing)

Who could be calling this early? (Zayana, still half-asleep, tries to pick up the phone, not bothering to check the caller ID.)

Zayana: (groggy voice) "Hello?"

On the other end: "Wake upppp! Zayana, you won’t believe it!"

Zayana: "Who’s this?"

Stacy: "It’s me, you bitch! Wake up!"

Zayana: (in a startled voice) "Stacy? This early? Isn’t it a day off from school?"

Stacy: (excitedly) "Yes, but I have something to tell you!"

Zayana: "What is it?"

Stacy: "Girl, there are some seriously hot guys on the dating app! I couldn’t sleep after seeing them!"

Zayana: "You go ahead and enjoy ogling at them. Let me sleep."

Stacy: "Why should I let you sleep? Get up and check it out yourself. It’s a whole new world. I might date four or five of these guys!"

Zayana: "What’s the difference between you and your ex now?"

Stacy: "Forget about him. Right now, I can’t decide who to go out with—there are so many options!"

Zayana: "Yeah, and when one of them ends up assaulting you, you’ll come crying to me. Oh wait, how will you even come to me? They’ll probably dump your body by the side of the road."

Stacy: "Stop being so dramatic and just check your phone and take a look."

Zayana: "Stacy, you know my life’s already a cruel joke, and now you want me to add more chaos to it. I despise men, and you know that."

Stacy: "Exactly! That’s why I’m telling you to snap out of it and have some fun. Come on, open your eyes and enjoy."

Zayana: "No thanks. I have no interest. Let me sleep."

Stacy: (getting annoyed) "Ugh, fine! Sleep then, you boring girl. Bye!"

Zayana: "Two days off, and all I want to do is sleep. Bye now."

Stacy: "Bye-bye!"

The rest of the day passed sluggishly, and soon, night fell again. Stacy must’ve gotten busy, as she only called once today. She didn’t even reply to my texts. Oh well! With nothing left to do, I drifted off to sleep.

---

**The Next Day**

I woke up to loud voices coming from downstairs. It seemed like Stephen was arguing with Dad. Being the youngest, I always got caught in the crossfire. And today was no different. When Dad couldn’t take out his frustration on Stephen, he turned to me.

Dad: "That nosebleed you keep getting? It’s because of that box you’re always glued to!" (By 'box,' he means my phone). "Get out of my sight, and don’t show your face until I’ve had my breakfast."

Like always, I didn’t say a word. I just walked back to my room and locked myself in. I was starving, so I ate a leftover biscuit to get by.

I know this happens all the time, but I still feel the same pain every time. Just a little longer… and I’ll end all of it, once and for all.

After a brief cry, I called Stacy to see how things were going. Did she find Henry yet? But when she picked up, it felt like things were going the other way around...

Zayana: "Hello? Stacy?"

Stacy: "Yeah?"

Zayana: "What do you mean 'yeah'? Tell me, what’s happening on the dating app? Did you find Henry?"

Stacy: "No... It’s just... well..."

Zayana: "What are you mumbling about? Speak clearly!"

Stacy: "I swiped right too much, and now I’ve run out of likes."

Zayana: "What do you mean you’ve run out of likes?"

Stacy: "There’s a limit on how many people you can swipe right on. The likes refill the next day."

Zayana: "Are you crazy, Stacy? How long do you expect me to keep this app on my phone? I’m walking on thin ice here. Just swipe left on everyone and focus on finding Henry! You can dream about your happily-ever-after after you lock him down!"

Stacy: "Okay, okay. You’re right. I’ll call you later."

Zayana: "Oh, alright..."

Was I too harsh? No, I wasn’t. Stacy should realize the risk we’re taking. If someone finds out, we could be in serious trouble.

I’m thinking of ordering breakfast. I can’t go downstairs to make it; it’ll take too long. By the time I finish showering, the food will arrive.

I placed the order and headed for the shower.

-------------------

I know this chapter was a little slow, but the next one... trust me, it’s going to be FIRE! Stay tuned, and keep supporting me, guys!

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***