---### **Chapter 62: Bing's Struggle**Bing's morning started like most others had recently: with an unsettling sense of dread and a stomach that felt like it was on a constant rollercoaster. The fatigue was overwhelming, making even the simplest tasks feel like climbing a mountain. They forced themselves to get out of bed, the room spinning slightly as they stood. They glanced at their reflection in the mirror and tried to mask the weariness with a forced smile, though it hardly reached their eyes.Work was a blur. Bing felt detached from everything around them, struggling to concentrate. They fumbled through their tasks, frequently pausing to hide their face behind a hand when a wave of nausea hit. Their stomach churned with every attempt to eat, making lunch a battle they could barely win.Despite the mounting pressure, Bing kept their condition a secret. They dreaded the idea of anyone finding out, especially Safari. His concern was palpable, and while it was comforting, it also made Bing feel like they were living under a magnifying glass. Every glance from Safari seemed to pierce through their defenses, intensifying their sense of guilt and anxiety.Bing's interactions with colleagues became increasingly strained. They were short-tempered, their patience worn thin by the constant discomfort. When Dall-E, a colleague from Google's team, greeted them with a cheery "Good morning," Bing barely managed a polite response before retreating to their desk. Dall-E's casual conversations were a small respite, but Bing struggled to maintain the facade of normalcy.Safari's growing concern was becoming harder to ignore. He'd been observing Bing's increasing absenteeism and the subtle changes in their demeanor. Today, Safari approached Bing's desk, his expression a mix of worry and curiosity."Hey, Bing. You okay?" Safari's voice was gentle but firm, laced with an undertone of concern that Bing couldn't easily brush off.Bing looked up, forcing a smile. "Just tired," they replied, though their voice wavered slightly. "I've been having a rough few days."Safari's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've noticed. You've been out a lot, and you don't seem yourself. If you need anything, you know you can talk to me."The sincerity in Safari's voice made Bing's stomach tighten. They appreciated his offer, but the thought of confiding in him made their anxiety spike. "I'm fine, really. Just need some rest."Safari didn't press further but the concern didn't leave his eyes as he walked away. Bing exhaled slowly, the brief interaction leaving them feeling more exposed than before.As the day wore on, Bing's symptoms worsened. They struggled through the afternoon, trying to stay focused despite the growing fog in their mind and the dizzy spells that seemed to come out of nowhere. Their attempts to eat something light for dinner were met with the usual resistance, and they ended up leaving the break room with an uneaten sandwich and a heavy heart.In the late afternoon, Bing retreated to a quiet corner of the office, hoping for a brief respite. They sat on a couch, their head in their hands, feeling the weight of their secret pressing down on them. The dizziness and fatigue were relentless, and they could only hope that they could hold it together long enough to make it through the day.---
