The rhythmic ticking of the night clock filled the dimly lit room, a steady tick… tick… tick… breaking the heavy silence. Outside the window, the full moon hung high, casting a soft silver glow that came through the window, illuminating the edges of the furniture and the four of us lying on our beds.
The day had been long and exhausting, and for me, sleep had come almost instantly. My steady breathing was the only sign of my presence, undisturbed by the quiet murmurs of the others.
Billie, however, remained awake. She lay on her bed near the window, her gaze fixed on the vast night sky, lost in thought. Her arms rested on her stomach.
Beside her bed, was Serina's bed, where she was still engaged in conversation with Hina.
"Hina, are you asleep?" she asked softly.
There was a little silence before Hina responded, her voice low but clear. "Not yet." She lay on her back, eyes open, staring at the ceiling as if lost in her own thoughts.
