Chapter 1: Introduction
As Levi sat hunched forward on the cold linoleum tile, clutching his aching abdomen with both hands, the walls seemed to encroach ever closer around him. The relentless churning within his torso, threatening to burst forth from his mouth at any moment, made his limbs feel heavy and sluggish.
Sweat began trickling down his temples and palms; it was all too much for him to bear alone. The sound of footsteps approaching from outside echoed through the cramped space like distant thunder before they came crashing loudly against the threshold. It could only be one person - his best friend, Erwin.
"Levi! Thank God I found you," exclaimed Erwin, rushing inside without waiting for an invitation.
"Are you alright?"
The sudden influx of energy brought by Erwin forced Levi to shift upright onto his legs with effort. With every movement, a wave of nausea threatened to engulf him again. Despite feeling completely drained, he managed to muster up enough strength to reply: "No... Not really."
Erwin assessed the situation quickly. Seeing the state of Levi's health, sympathy filled his eyes.
Erwin had known Levi long enough to recognize signs of dire distress – something beyond mere hunger pangs or heartburn. This was a whole new level of discomfort. "Oh my god, what did you eat?!"
With difficulty, Levi explained the sequence of events that led to this nightmare. His friends' gatherings usually consisted of takeout boxes stacked high, shared amongst them without hesitation. But tonight, he couldn't resist trying out the latest delivery service promising superb culinary delights.
However, instead of satisfying cravings, these tempting offerings now felt like poisonous snakes wrapped tightly around his insides. Each time he moved, he imagined himself breaking free from those constricting coils but knew better than anyone else how impossible such a feat would prove to be. Erwin frowned deeply upon hearing Levi’s tale. How often had he warned his dear friend about eating fast food? Regrettably, it appeared to fall on deaf ears more often than not. Now it seemed, fate demanded that they pay for their recklessness together.
In response to Levi's groan, Erwin decided to act proactively. Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out a small bottle of peppermint oil and ginger tablets, explaining how they were useful for combatting digestive issues. Offering some to Levi, he watched carefully to see if anything might ease his agony. Slowly, methodically, Levi swallowed down the bitter-tasting capsules, hoping that somehow, they would make things right again.
Erwin observed him intently, nodding grimly. His brow furrowed deeper as another thought struck him. He recalled how, amidst Levi's painful descriptions, his face became flush whenever mention was made of certain topics. Realization dawned on him—this wasn't just physical distress; there was also something going on beneath the surface.
Something deeper. Glancing at Levi's flushed cheeks, Erwin realized that maybe helping him manage his body wasn't enough anymore. He needed to help him address whatever had been bothering him emotionally as well. After observing the room and the mess left behind by past indulgences, Erwin made a decision.
"We need to start from scratch, buddy. Let's clean this place up first. Then we can work on your stomach problems.
Something deeper. Glancing at Levi's flushed cheeks, Erwin realized that maybe helping him manage his body wasn't enough anymore. He needed to help him address whatever had been bothering him emotionally as well. After observing the room and the mess left behind by past indulgences, Erwin made a decision.
"We need to start from scratch, buddy. Let's clean this place up first. Then we can work on your stomach problems.
Something deeper. Glancing at Levi's flushed cheeks, Erwin realized that maybe helping him manage his body wasn't enough anymore. He needed to help him address whatever had been bothering him emotionally as well. After observing the room and the mess left behind by past indulgences, Erwin made a decision.
"We need to start from scratch, buddy. Let's clean this place up first. Then we can work on your stomach problems.
Levi slowly stood up, wincing slightly at the strain on his weakened abdominal muscles. Together, they set to clear away discarded wrappers, empty containers, and spilled drinks littering the floor and countertops. It felt oddly comforting for Levi to finally put his chaotic surroundings in order under Erwin's guidance. As each trash bag grew fuller, so did Levi's spirits begin to lift.