The afternoon was cold, and Bada's body was battered beyond reason. Her ribs ached with every breath, and bruises streaked her arms and face. Yet she pressed forward, dragging herself toward Saeles's house, ignoring the pain.
She crouched behind the fence, shivering, watching Saeles through the window as she struck the bag with relentless precision. Each punch drove Bada's heart to ache and her chest to tighten.
"I… I have to see her… I can't leave… no matter what…" Bada whispered, tears streaming. Her friends' warnings, her family's concern—none of it mattered anymore. Her obsession had become her only purpose.
She stepped closer to the house, determined to be near Saeles, even if it meant getting hurt again.