WE ALL WENT TO BED SOON AFTER. Despite some of the girls’ comments that they wouldn’t sleep at all after what had just happened, they fell asleep shortly after, their deep breathing and light snores betraying them. I stayed awake, though, battling the Sandman ferociously. I had to stay awake, had to wait until they were all sound asleep so I could sneak out.
A clock chimed two, somewhere in the bowels of the house. I got up slowly, careful not to make a sound. Barefoot, my dagger strapped tightly to my calf under my long yoga pants, and holding a flashlight, I made my way to the bedroom door. The room was dark, but the moonlight provided enough light to allow me to walk without bumping into anything.
I pried open the door as noiselessly as I could and stepped out into the hallway. I’d ex
