I listened to Simon's breathing and my heart slowly calmed down. Then I gradually got sleepy.
Suddenly, the mattress shook, and my sleepiness completely dissipated. The hideous face of my foster father suddenly appeared behind my eyes.
I was so terrified that I reached forward grasping at air until I felt a pair of warm hands, and those hands held mine.
"Well, so you're not asleep."
It was Simon's voice. I opened my eyes and saw Simon standing by my bed.
I said, feeling a little shaky, "I'm still a little scared. My foster father had never been a good father. I was afraid of being alone."
Simon touched my head and lay down beside me. He gently grabbed my shoulder and made me face him.
"Then I won't leave. How about we chat?" Simon suggested, and I nodded.
"Mia, can you tell me abou
