The night was quiet, but Yashika’s sleep was far away from her eyes, as if lost in the sky. The soft humming of the ceiling fan and rhythmic chime of rain were calming, but for Yashika, it was an addition to her already restless mind. Lying on the bed, she quietly stared at the ceiling, but her mind was filled with nothing. It was like a storm she couldn’t escape.

She turned, trying to shift her attention, and looked over at the other bed. There lay Mridha, peaceful and calm, under the warm night lamp. Her eyes lingered on her for a moment, making her sigh and look at her more clearly. Yesterday had been anything but peaceful. Her nightmare was something worse; the way her body trembled with fear, her voice choked, and her fearful voice was something that made even Yashika feel worried for her.