Nightmare. Audible, shaky inhale. Short, panicked exhale. Another quick inhale. Trembling breath, uneven and anxious. She slowly opens her eyes, disoriented. Soft exhale. Heartbeat echoes loudly, almost in sync with her panic. Her mind feels empty and foggy. Slow, trembling exhale. She slowly gets up, still dizzy. Puts on slippers. Puts on a jacket. Walks out to the dark balcony. A lighter clicks softly. A second click, shaky. She exhales smoke slowly, letting it linger. Half-closed eyes, remembering. This psychological war hits again, forcing high alert. Nightmare. Provocation. Pulling. Panic. But this time, she doesn’t run. She gathers strength and fights back hard. "Don’t cross my line." A sharp click. Goodbye. She exhales smoke again, slow and deliberate. Eyes heavy. Returns to the bedroom. Covers her head. Falls back asleep.
