The soft morning light filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting long golden beams across the small living room. The air was still, serene,until Alisha stirred.
Slowly, she awoke on the sofa, blinking groggily as reality settled around her. Her body ached from sleeping in a curled-up position all night. As she sat up and stretched, her back gave a little pop, and she exhaled deeply. A soft weight pressed against her lap.
She looked down and smiled faintly. Maddie was sprawled on the rug beside the couch, mouth slightly open, still lost in a peaceful slumber. Her long braids fanned around her head like a halo. Alisha's chest warmed at the sight.
They had both fallen asleep in the middle of their deep conversation the night before, the words still echoing in her memory—how Zeriel had visited her in hometown, how he had tried to win her back. And how, eventually, he had finally admitted his feelings. It hadn't been a grand confession, but he meant every word.
