After dinner, Joana tended to Michaela's bedtime routine. Later, adhering to their agreement, Joana joined Elijah in his room, still clad in extra layers—a precautionary measure against any unwanted contact—as she entered cautiously and shut the door behind her.
Seated on the bed, engrossed in a book, Elijah glanced up as she entered.
"I apologize," Joana began. "I can leave if you'd prefer to-"
"It's fine," Elijah interjected. "I'm prepared to rest."
Though their arrangement for sharing a bed had only been in place for a few days, Elijah already felt a marked improvement in his sleep. Initially attributing his insomnia to loneliness, he realized that even in past casual encounters, he relied on pills or alcohol for rest.
What was it about Joana that brought him comfort and aided hi
