{Elira}
~**^**~
I woke up before the sun.
Not because of the alarm on my smartwatch, or the chimes of morning announcements. I just... couldn't sleep anymore.
My body knew it was Sunday. And something in my chest knew it was the day I'd be leaving ESA—if only for a night.
The dorm room was still quiet. I sat up slowly, pushing the duvet down to my lap, and listened.
The soft rhythm of Cambria's breathing from the bunk above me. Juniper's occasional turn in bed. Even Nari's light snore in the distance.
Everyone was still lost in sleep.
I stood and tiptoed across the room, grabbing my towel and outfit for the day.
I chose a simple cream blouse and a long black pleated skirt — nothing fancy, but it made me feel neat, proper and prepared.
I showered quickly. The water was warm, but the tile beneath my feet was cold, and it reminded me I was awake.
By the time I came out, a faint golden hue had started to filter through the curtains.
