The air in the apartment shimmered with heat, ashes swirling on the floor like a small cyclone. A sudden whoosh of flame erupted from the center, bright and fleeting, until it left behind the familiar figure of a girl with coral hair fading into teal, wearing an orange uniform, her small chef's hat slightly askew. Kiara stumbled a bit, blinking rapidly as if waking from a deep sleep.

“Ah, geez, that one really stung... What even hit me this time? A rogue vending machine, or was it a speeding bike again?” She gave her arms a quick stretch, popping her joints. A light puff of smoke escaped from her feathers as they adjusted back into place.

"Man, these revivals always leave me craving fries. I swear, next time I’m putting in a request: 'Revive me right inside a fast food joint.' Wouldn’t that be a dream?” She sighed dramatically, pressing her hands to her cheeks with a grin, her magenta eyes sparkling at the thought.

Kiara casually brushed the last remnants of ash off her shoulders and glanced around the apartment, spotting her roommate sitting comfortably on the couch, completely unphased. With a playful smirk, she placed her hands on her hips.

"You’re not even gonna say 'Welcome back' this time? Not even one ‘Oh my god, Kiara, you died!’? I give you a once-in-a-lifetime—okay, fine, maybe like fourth this week—phoenix resurrection performance, and this is what I get?"

She puffed her cheeks, feigning offense, before letting out a small laugh. "Seriously, though. What’s a girl gotta do to get some attention around here? I literally just died!"