The morning descended with a gentle softness, brushing away the remnants of night. Only three days remained before the national examinations began—three days that marked the final obstacle of an exhausting academic road.
Al awoke earlier than usual.
"Huaaaamm…" a long yawn slipped from his mouth, his body following sluggishly as he pushed himself into a sitting position.
He sat still for a moment, waiting for his consciousness to fully return. His face looked slightly swollen, faint shadows of sleeplessness resting under his eyes. A thin trail of drool still clung wetly to his cheek, proof of his chronic lack of rest.
Clicking his tongue lightly, he tried to wash away the bitter taste that lingered in his mouth—the unpleasant aftertaste of sleep.
With slow, almost ritualistic movements, he rubbed his face with both hands, wiped away the drool, scratched the back of his neck and shoulders, then finally ended his awakening ceremony with a faint, lazy yawn.
