For the second time in a day, Sarah opened her eyes, finally back in reality. Physically, she felt like her body was in top condition. However, what about her mind?

She looked around. The naga spirit was nowhere to be seen. Sarah sighed in relief, it seemed that she was still sane.

However, her nose caught an unflattering smell that made her want to puke. It came from her own body. Sarah frowned. Her body felt uncomfortable, the dried sweat leaves a sticky, clammy feeling on her body.

She slowly stood up and grabbed her fluffy towel. It was time to take a shower.

She quickly made her way to the dorm showers. It was empty. So empty that she can hear the sound of water dripping from a leaky tap.

The extra quiet surrounding caused Sarah to be extra aware of her surrounding. She shivered when she felt eyes following her every move. However, there's no one else in the shower.

Sarah quickly went into the cubicle and she took off her clothes frantically. She wanted to be out of the showers as soon as possible. She then put on her sarong as fast as possible, expertly folding the cloth at her chest.

Her trembling hand turned on the shower. When the cold water rained on her, she felt like her whole being was being cleansed. The tension melted away and her mind felt clear.

A gust of wind blew in. Sarah felt as if someone poured ice cubes on her. Cold! Why don't the dorms provide hot showers for us?

Sarah dried herself and walked back to her room as fast as she could. She still felt unsettled.

She locked the door as soon as she got into the room. Her rapid heartbeats began to slow down. She was safe in her room.

"Weak." The familiar deep voice came from her back.

Sarah's voice was stuck in her throat. She was too stunned to scream. Her eyes widen in surprise and she felt like her heart would jump out from her body. Slowly, she turned around. Her mind went blank. It was the naga again.

"You are weak. I never knew someone that fainted twice on the same day. Except for actors. But you are not one." The naga spoke, disappointment lacing his tone.

Sarah frowned. Why was she seeing and hearing things? Maybe she had hyponatremia, low blood sodium?

She did have a strong headache and she did feel nauseous just now. Plus, she was walking under the evening heat without drinking any water. She was sweating a lot too.

Yes, that must be it. Tomorrow, I should go to the clinic and get diagnosed. Sarah went to her cupboard and dressed herself in her comfortable pyjamas while reaching that conclusion.

"You are not sick. I'm real."

Sarah clenched her teeth and glared at the naga. Why am I hallucinating something so stubborn?

"Because you are not hallucinating."

"Prove it to me." Sarah dared the dragon.

"I don't need to. You know it deep in your heart. Listen to your body. It doesn't react the way it did when you were trapped in the illusion." The naga spoke patiently, as if talking to a small child.

Sarah frowned.

"Since you want proof, you'll get it. Prepare for a migraine." The naga's patience was limited.

"Wait! Is there no other way for you to prove it?"

"There's no other physical way of proving it."

"Can anyone else see or hear you?"

"No. Only you." The naga stared at her.

"Fine. I'll just assume you are real and then I'll go to the clinic tomorrow." Sarah surrendered.

"For a weak human born at the end of time, that would be a good first step. But why are you so slow? People used to worship me. They even give offerings to me."

"Oh great naga, pray tell me who you are." Sarah played along.

"I am the famous Naga Seri Gumum." He said proudly.

"Never heard of it." Sarah's words made him tense up.

" I'm also known as the Naga of Lake Chini."

"Oh! I know that one! So your name is Seri Gumum, huh? Well... that's a little bit too long. How about I call you Gu? Seri sounds like a female name and I'm sure you're a male."

"How rude! A lowly human bestowing me a name! And how dare you be unconfident of my gender! Of course I'm a male!" His angry voice boomed in the room.

"I'm sorry. I like to call my friends by their nickname." Sarah put on a pitiful face.

"You think of me as a friend?" He sounds happy.

"Maybe. I don't want to be your enemy." No matter the naga is real or not, no one wants to be his enemy.

He seemed pleased with her response. "Good. Now you just need to take care of yourself. Don't take a shower in the night. It's not good for your lungs. And always remember to wear your sarong while you shower. You did well just now." He gave Sarah a couple advices, showing his concern.

"How did you know that I wear my sarong while I shower?" She felt something was fishy.

"I was there" he replied casually.

"Gu, get out! Now!" She screamed at him.

"Alright. I allow you to bestow Gu as my name in this life."

"Out!"

*****

This chapter is dedicated to my cover artist, @LavenderLily02. Gu looks just like the naga on the cover!

 If you like this chapter, please click on the star and comment!

Eireen x