Just then, she noticed Jason. "Oh, the plot thickens. Look who's here too!"
Jason and I just froze, caught in the rapid spread of 5G-era gossip.
"So, you gonna explain yourself, Jason?"
Jason fiddled with his shirt hem, his voice tinged with regret. "I never expected things to spiral like this. Don't worry, I'll set the record straight soon. Focus on your recovery for now. The nurse mentioned your fainting was due to anemia and stressed that you should eat properly—don't skip meals trying to diet..."
Ridiculous. Even in my centuries of vampirism, I've never felt so dumbfounded.
I attempted to stand and escape this jinx, but dizziness overwhelmed me, and I nearly collapsed. Jason caught me in the nick of time.
Ava looked on, utterly amused by the drama unfolding.
"Seriously, Ava? This isn't a TV drama. Help me out here, or I'm really gonna hit the deck!"
I shot her a glare, then turned to Jason. "Forget explanations. Just... stay away from me! It's a disaster every time we meet!"
Once back in my dorm, I felt worse. Something had to change. I requested a few days off to consult with my grandfather—the elder vampire—on what to do next.
I grabbed a morning ticket to my village and by afternoon, I was standing at its gates.
This village is our vampire sanctuary, with few of us left around the globe.
The younger vamps, like me, blend into human society, thriving on animal blood, while the older ones retire here, away from the hustle.
Deep breath in, I stepped into the village.
No sooner had I entered than a shot put ball came hurling towards me. Weak as I was, my reflexes didn't fail me—I caught it mid-air.
It seems the elder vamps had adopted a new fitness regime—tossing shot puts at each other, much like humans playing catch with beanbags.
The last time I was here, they were into inverted running. These old-timers really know how to keep their spirits high.
As I walked, I greeted them warmly,
"Grandpa Mark, nailing the game as always!"
"Granny Anne, looking stunning today!"
"Uncle Leo and Aunt Naomi, still the power couple! Relationship goals right there!"
They all beamed at the praise; guess flattery works on vampires too.
I knocked on Grandpa Clive's door, which he opened to let me in. I spilled my guts about everything, and as his expression grew stern, I couldn't help but ask, "Grandpa Clive, is there any hope for me? I'm only 400 years young; I'm not ready to kick the bucket!"