Thunder rumbled beyond the hostel walls, shaking the entire building as rain beat hard against the windows. Each clap felt like a reminder — a memory trying to claw its way back, a pain resurfacing when she least expected it. The world outside was loud. The world inside her was… louder.

She sat on her narrow bed, knees drawn close, arms wrapped around herself as if she could trap the ache inside her own skin. Her hair, damp from earlier drizzle, clung to her forehead. The sheets were cold. The room was dark. Only one flickering bulb at the far end struggled against the shadows.