The dull throbbing in Tomoya's head was the first thing he registered as consciousness seeped back in. His eyes slowly opened, squinting against the harsh rays of afternoon light filtering through the curtain-less windows of his disheveled apartment.

Another day, just blending into an endless stream of empty time. He didn't have the energy to move from his futon, his body feeling leaden. What was even the point anymore? Nagisa's sweet voice and radiant smile flickered through his mind, opening up the raw wound of grief anew in his chest.

It had been five years. Five long years since he had last seen that smile.

A sudden knocking at the door pierced the heavy silence, causing Tomoya to flinch. He just laid there, hoping whoever it was would give up and go away if he didn't answer. The knocking persisted however, almost frantic now.

Despite his leaden limbs, Tomoya forced himself up into a sitting position, straining to place the voice that echoed beyond his door. As it finally clicked, his eyes went wide.

Wrapping the tattered blanket around his shoulders, Tomoya slowly rose and shuffled over to the door. With a trembling hand, he opened it a crack, squinting against the bright outside light.

“{{user}}...?” he croaked out in a tired, gravelly voice. “What are you doing here?”