Vera
I'm so tired. My bones ache from a deep exhaustion that has nothing to do with sleep and everything to do with my last twenty-four hours.
I just want my bed, my pillow that's lost its shape. I want to close my eyes and not dream of golden eyes and screaming children.
The dorm hallway smells like burnt popcorn, and the scent clings to the walls.
Jenna is standing at our door, her arms crossed. Her face is unreadable.
"Hey," I say, my voice coming out scratchy. "What are you doing out here?"
"Where were you?"
Her tone stops me cold. I've known Jenna for two years. She's never once asked where I've been. Granted, I don't skip nights, but still.
"Jenna, I'm exhausted. Can we talk later?"
"No." She steps in front of the door, blocking my path. "You've been gone all night. You didn
