The Latter

As I rub my tired eyes and yawn a soft sigh,

I wonder if this feeling in my stomach is from illness or

homesickness.

Illness from that time I forgot to wear a jacket after exiting a party and didn't think twice about where it would land me physically,

two weeks on-

still recovering in bed with a lukewarm mug of herbal tea as I struggle to consume or to stop myself from consuming yet another meal.

Homesick for the feeling of a warm, familiar embrace,

and a soft whisper telling me that I'll be okay in my new place.

Want turns into need as my mental state crumbles.

'Stay a little longer', don't leave, I need you',

'you keep me grounded'.

Our goodbyes were exchanged and I'm counting down the days until I see them again.

I may get used to it, but it doesn't mean it hurts less every time we part ways to make way for our busy lives.

Once again, I rub my tired eyes and yawn a deeper sigh.

I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight.

The feeling in my stomach has started growing stronger and between homesickness or the flu, I really hope it's the latter.