The Night Before Christmas
I turned off the study lights and stepped into the corridor.
As I reached the bedroom door, something tightened in my chest, not fear. Anticipation.
I pushed it open quietly.
It was past midnight.
The bedside lamps were still on.
She was sitting upright against the headboard, hair loose over her shoulders, eyes wide and sleepless.
She had been waiting.
“It’s late,” I said, closing the door softly behind me. “You should rest.”
“I tried.” Her voice was fragile but controlled. “Every time I close my eyes, the nightmares come.”