The night stretched on, the air thick with unspoken emotions. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the bedside lamp casting long shadows as Catherine and Maryam sat cross-legged on the bed, reminiscing and laughing softly. Their voices, though hushed, carried the weight of deep friendship and an impending farewell.
Maryam chuckled, shaking her head. "Catherine, it's 2 AM now. I think you should get some sleep."
Catherine sighed, stretching her arms. "Yeah, you're right. But, Maryam..." she hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Where will you go after this?"
Maryam's smile faltered briefly before she responded, "I already talked to Ayesha. She will be here at 9 AM to pick me up. I sent her my location, so don't worry. We're going to Portland. That's where she lives."
Catherine shook her head with a faint smile. "You're always so straightforward."
Maryam exhaled, her expression turning solemn. "That's because of everything I've been through. My past experiences taught me to be direct. I had to survive the worst."
Catherine's eyes softened with concern. "You never really told me about all of it, you know."
Maryam gave her a knowing look and shook her head. "Don't change the topic. Just try to get some sleep—it's already 2:30 AM."
Catherine sighed but nodded, reluctantly settling under her covers. "Alright, alright. But promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?"
Maryam smiled gently. "I will."
With that, Maryam stood up and made her way to the door. She hesitated for a moment, looking back at Catherine with a soft gaze before quietly leaving the room.
Back in her own room, she took a deep breath, letting the reality of the situation settle in. Tomorrow, she would leave everything behind. Her life at the academy, her friends, the structure and rules that had once defined her.
She moved toward her wardrobe, opening it slowly. Her eyes fell upon her black nun's dress, hanging neatly, untouched. She reached out, her fingers brushing over the fabric. Memories of the past flashed before her eyes—prayers, sermons, moments of both faith and doubt.
She let out a whisper, barely audible. "I don't need this anymore."
With one last glance, she closed the wardrobe, shutting that chapter of her life for good.
She moved to her bed, slipping under the covers. The mattress felt unfamiliar already, as though it no longer belonged to her. She stared at the ceiling, her mind racing despite her exhaustion.
Morning would come soon. And with it, a new beginning.