It was stained with blood.
For a few seconds, I simply stared at it.
The sight no longer shocked me. It hadn't for days now.
I quietly folded the tissue and set it aside before another cough forced its way out of me. This one was stronger than the last.
I quickly climbed out of bed and hurried into the bathroom, pressing another tissue over my mouth. By the time I reached the sink, blood splattered into the white porcelain.
I gripped the edge of the sink as I waited for the coughing to stop.
When it finally did, I remained there for a long moment, breathing slowly as I tried to gather what little strength I had left.
My eyes lifted to the mirror.
I looked tired.
Far more tired than I allowed anyone else to see.
The potion wasn't working the way it used to.
Initially, it had been
