Collins rubbed his nose and offered a sheepish grin. "Quite the unique welcome gift. What's in there? Sand or some quirky trinket?"
Young girls had a penchant for creative stuff. Collins had lost count of how many such gifts he had received on behalf of others.
Leo shot him a glance. "My sister wouldn't give something that's just run-of-the-mill."
"What is it, then?" Collins' curiosity was piqued.
Recalling the serious expression on his sister's face that morning when she handed him the medicine, Leo didn't keep it a secret, "Medicine."
"Medicine?" Collins' face took on a thoughtful expression, "What kind of medicine?"
"It's called Vitality something pill. Supposed to detoxify and repair the body, something akin to a wellness supplement, I guess," Leo explained.
At that, Collins found the name rather exotic. "Sounds like an herbal remedy. Mind if I take a look?"
Leo handed over the small bottle.
Collins opened it and took a whiff. Indeed, there was a distinct herbal scent, rich yet with an underlying freshness, nothing like the overpowering herbal concoctions one might find at the drugstore.
"This medicine smells pretty good," Collins remarked, pouring a pea-sized pill into his palm, "Have you tried it yet?"
Leo shook his head with a wry smile. "In my current state, what difference does it make whether I take it or not?" After all, his condition seemed like a foregone conclusion.
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