31: I Am A Monster

Arda woke up to a firm hand on her shoulder. She woke up, startled. Gillow was on the bed beside her. He was in grey pajamas, his hair framing his face. She had gone to bed alone because he was out, so she didn't know when he returned.

"What is it? You're having a bad dream?" He asked, a look of concern on his face.

"No. I was just startled."

"Hmm. Anyway, it's morning."

Arda could see that. She didn't know she had slept so long.

"I didn't see you come."

"I know. You were sleeping like a baby. But it's like 7:30 and you're still sleeping. I couldn't resist waking you up. But that's because I need to go out early and want to chat a bit before I do. Sit up, will you?"

As he spoke, he was already helping her by pulling her up so she could sit down.

She looked at him expectantly, wondering what he wanted to chat about.

"So, Dear, we never did talk about your things that the pack helped you gather from your off-campus apartment."

Arda didn't find the topic worth talking about.

"Yeah. Is the