What's Wrong with Miss Bratty?

Yvienna's eyes fluttered open as she groaned softly, her hand instinctively reaching up to her head. A wave of dizziness hit her, and her vision remained blurry. She blinked several times until her surroundings gradually came into focus. The stark white ceiling loomed above her, unfamiliar and cold. Her gaze shifted around the room, and panic surged within her when she realized she didn't recognize the place.

"Where am I?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her attention was drawn to a tugging sensation on the back of her hand. She glanced down and saw an IV drip taped securely to her skin. The faint sound of a door opening made her whip her head toward the entrance.

"Yvienna, you're awake! Thank God!" her mother exclaimed, rushing into the room.

Relief washed over Yvienna as she watched her mother's worried face approach. "Are you okay, my darling?" her mother asked, her voice trembling. Yvienna managed a weak nod, a soft smile forming on her lips. Warmth filled her chest as she saw the depth of her mother's concern. Despite the situation, she felt an odd sense of comfort. For a fleeting moment, she wished she could experience this kind of care every day—an anchor to hold onto when everything felt uncertain.

"Are you hungry?" her mother asked, breaking her thoughts. "Yes, Mommy," Yvienna replied softly. Her mother quickly opened the paper bag she had brought, retrieving a lunch box and a spoon. As Yvienna reached out to take it, her mother gently stopped her. "I'll feed you," her mother said with a tender smile.

Yvienna's heart swelled as her mother scooped small portions of food, carefully feeding her like she had done when Yvienna was a child.

After finishing her meal, Yvienna leaned back against the bed. "I'm full, Mommy." Her mother's eyes softened. "How's your foot?" Following her gaze, Yvienna looked at her bandaged foot. "I don't feel any pain right now," she replied honestly. "Should I tell your professor that you won't be attending class today?" her mother asked, her voice laced with concern. Yvienna quickly shook her head. "No, Mommy. I can still attend. What time is it?"

"It's 3:00 a.m. Are you sure about this?" Yvienna offered her mother a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry." Her mother sighed but kissed her forehead. "Alright, but please be careful." "Okay, Mommy," Yvienna promised.

After her mother left to speak with the doctor, Yvienna exhaled deeply, already longing for the comfort of her own bed.

Later, back home, Yvienna lay on her bed, exhaustion pulling her into a deep sleep.

She found herself running in a dark, endless void, her breath ragged and chest heaving. The shadows closed in, and her fear grew. She glanced over her shoulder to see faceless men chasing her. A scream caught in her throat as she stumbled over a rock and fell hard onto the ground.

"Get up," a cold voice commanded.

Her head snapped up, and her eyes widened in terror as she stared down the barrel of a gun.

"Nooo!" she screamed, jolting awake in her bed.

"Yvienna! Wake up!" her mother's voice called out, grounding her.

Her eyes flew open, and she gasped for air, drenched in sweat. Trembling, she threw her arms around her mother. "I had a nightmare," she whispered, her voice shaking. Her mother held her close, gently stroking her back. "It's alright, Yvienna. Mommy's here. There's nothing to be afraid of."

By morning, Yvienna tried to push the lingering fear aside. Her mother, ever perceptive, offered words of reassurance over breakfast. "Don't dwell on it, Yvienna. Nightmares don't come true. Just focus on your day and be happy," her mother said with a kind smile. Yvienna nodded, feeling a bit lighter. After kissing her mother goodbye, she stepped into the car, instructing the driver to take her to the university.

At the university, Yvienna spotted Tiffany waiting by the entrance. "Hey, bestie! How's your foot?" Tiffany called out, her voice too loud for Yvienna's liking. "Lower your voice," Yvienna hissed as she approached. Tiffany pouted but didn't press further. They walked together through the hallways when a familiar figure suddenly appeared before them.

"Hi, Yvienna!" Kyle greeted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Yvienna's heart skipped a beat as he stepped closer. "Did you like my present from yesterday?"

"What present?" Tiffany interjected, her curiosity piqued.

Yvienna shot her a sharp glare, but Tiffany only smirked in return. Flustered, Yvienna turned to Kyle. "G-get out of my way."

"Why are you stuttering?" he teased, leaning in slightly.

"Just move!" she snapped, shoving past him before hurrying down the hallway.

Her pulse raced, and she cursed under her breath. Why does my heart always react like this around him? Before she could escape, Kyle grabbed her arm, halting her retreat. "Why are you running?" he asked, his voice soft yet teasing. Yvienna met his gaze, her chest tightening. His eyes seemed to hold her in place. "Are you blushing?" he added with a smirk.

"I'm not!" she shot back, yanking her arm free.

She rushed to the classroom, ignoring Tiffany's calls. Her foot throbbed painfully, but she didn't care. She couldn't face Kyle anymore—not today, not while her heart refused to calm.