37~ Last Night Was A Mistake

Zane's Point Of View

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the slatted blinds in dusty gold ribbons, landing in bands across the wooden floor. I woke still drenched in the shadow of insomnia, my chest tight, mind racing, adrenaline refusing to fade. The soft hum of life in the dormitory was enough to rattle the last threads of tortured sleep from my memory.

Heavy-eyed, I padded down the narrow corridor, past closed doors and dimly lit hallways until I reached the living room. The common area felt cocooned in early morning hush, chairs scattered and portraits watching from the walls. Charlie was leaning against a window sill, backlit by the rising sun, fiddling with something small in his hands.

He looked up as I entered, ducking his chin in greeting. “You up early.” I rubbed my eyes. “Barely up, man.”

Charlie smiled and held out a beautifully wrapped gift, pale teal paper tied with a silver ribbon. “This was left at the door for you. No name, just says ‘Zane.’ Why don't you ope