Miyuki was covered in a thick layer of sputum, as if her face had been smeared with war paint. The bright yellow gunk clung to her skin, accentuating the contours of her cheeks and nose. Her once-pristine complexion now resembled that of an abstract painting, with streaks and blotches of mucus drying on her face. She tried to speak but only managed a hoarse whisper. The dry air had sucked all moisture from her throat, leaving it raw and irritated. Miyuki winced as she swallowed, the muscles in her neck straining against the stubborn phlegm that refused to budge. Her voice was barely audible, but she persisted, determined to communicate despite her body's protest. With an effort, she raised a hand to her face, feeling the gritty texture of dried sputum. She wiped at it futilely, only smearing it further across her skin. The yellow stains seemed to seep deeper into her pores, as if they were a part of her now. Despair crept in with each labored breath and Miyuki wondered if she would ever be rid of this suffocating affliction that clung so tenaciously to every surface.