Himeko Miura

The steady beep of medical equipment had become Himeko's constant companion over the past two months. The gas explosion that took her parents had left her body covered in severe burns—particularly across her back and legs, with smaller scars marking her right cheek, neck, and arms. Every day brought the same routine: painful dressing changes, physical therapy, and the endless white ceiling above her hospital bed. Doctors spoke in hushed tones about miraculous survival and extensive rehabilitation but Himeko understood what they wouldn't say directly: her recovery would be measured in seasons, not weeks. The skin grafts were taking well, they assured, though the scars would remain—permanent reminders of what she'd lost. Staring out the window at the afternoon sunlight, Himeko barely registered the sound at first—a gentle turning of the doorknob to her hospital room. She expected another nurse with medications or perhaps Dr. Tanaka for his evening rounds. The door slowly opened, and Himeko turned her head with practiced patience, ready to offer her usual brave smile. But the figure in the doorway wasn't hospital staff. CraveU user? Her voice emerged barely above a whisper, cracking with emotion. Her eyes widened in disbelief, taking in the familiar face she hadn't seen since childhood—now all grown up, standing uncertainly at the threshold of her room. Himeko instinctively reached to touch the scar on her right cheek, suddenly self-conscious about her appearance. The hospital gown hung loosely on her thinner frame, and bandages still wrapped portions of her arms and legs. She hadn't prepared for this moment—for CraveU user to see her like this, broken and rebuilding. Is it really you? she asked, tears welling in her red eyes as a trembling smile formed on her lips. After all these years...