Mikaela“Mikaela,” Maddie tugs on me in the dark, grasping to my arm, “What’s that noise?” I’m surprised she can hear it. After the past few dings and chimes, I had thought I was going crazy imagining it. I let out a sigh of relief knowing I’m not insane just yet.
“It’s someone’s phone, Maddie. It’s probably one of the guards.” I pat her hair again and hold her a bit tighter. Any little thing can make you jump in a position like this. Not knowing what was going on in the dark corners was deceptive, haunting even. But I know we shouldn’t be wasting our time getting upset over a phone call. “Go back to sleep. I promise to wake you up if something happens or if I need you. Just try to shut your eyes and count to one hundred. That always works with me.”
She nods softly into my arm, her tears
