WHISPERS IN THE DARK,

chapter 17

Comfort in the Dark

‎The room was quiet, the soft hum of the heater mixing with the gentle rustle of blankets. Noelle’s roommates had decided to stay tonight, sensing that something was off. At first, she tried to hold herself together, but the weight of everything , the loneliness, the loss of her mother, and the years of silence came crashing down.

‎Her body shook as she curled up on the end of the bed. Slowly, the tears came, hot and relentless.

‎“I… I don’t know how to… I’ve never had anyone really… be kind to me,” she choked out. “I only had my mom, and now… she’s gone. I just wanted to be loved… and I didn’t know how to ask.”

‎Lia sat beside her and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Samantha took her hand, squeezing it lightly, and Asle rubbed her back in comforting circles.

‎“You’re not alone, Noelle,” Lia whispered. “We’re here. We care about you.”

‎The words hit harder than she expected. She sobbed into their shoulders, confessing everything she had held in her chest for so long ,her mother’s warmth, the harsh cold after her loss, and the loneliness of always wondering about her father.

‎Her roommates didn’t flinch. They didn’t judge. Instead, they tried to lift her spirit in small, caring ways. Samantha went to the kitchen and returned with a warm plate of food, the comforting smell filling the room. Asle rummaged through her bag and handed Noelle some extra warm clothes, tucking the hoodie around her trembling frame. Lia found the first aid kit and gave her the medicine she needed.

‎With each small act, Noelle felt a tiny spark of hope. Maybe she could learn to trust again. Maybe she didn’t have to carry all her pain alone.

‎After dinner, the four of them sat together, sharing the screen of a laptop and watching a Netflix show. Laughter bubbled up occasionally between sobs and sniffles, blending with the quiet warmth of the room. By the time they finished, the night had grown still and peaceful.

‎Before bed, they said their prayers together , a moment of quiet reflection, of gratitude and hope. For the first time in a long while, Noelle felt safe, cared for, and almost… whole.

‎As the lights dimmed, she promised herself: I will be a better person. I will let people in. I will not be so alone anymore.

‎With that thought, and the comforting presence of her new friends, she finally let herself drift into a deep, warm sleep.

‎