I didn’t expect them to let me walk away. Bruised and humiliated, I made my way back to the dormitory. The cold air whistled around my ears, bringing some well-needed relief of the pain.
I was going to be stiff tomorrow.
With heavy feet and uncooperative limbs, I dragged myself to my room. I couldn’t even remember how many times I’d returned here beaten. Hopefully, Ryoko would be there to take care of me. Her soft touch, her warm embrace, her loving words. I needed them to heal me.
Reaching into my pocket for my keys ached. Opening the door was agony. With every step, every breath, my bruised ribs contracted around my lungs, tightening, hurting me.
“Ylva?” Ryoko’s concerned voice reached me at the entrance. “Is that you?”
“Yes,” I groaned.
I shuffled further into the room, finding
