It was around six in the morning when Renee finally stirred again. I hadn’t been asleep yet, but Jake and Matt were snoring in their designated seats across from Renee. They, too, had been awake until just a few hours ago, all of us watching over Renee to make sure nightmares didn’t plague her dreams.
“Aaron?” said Renee in a hushed whisper, and I passed her the glass of water waiting for her. She took a sip and lifted herself onto the back of her elbows, looking around. “Did all three of you stay here all night?” she asked. I nodded.
“We just wanted to make sure you were okay. Last night sucked, you know?”
“I know.” The sound of us talking woke Jake and then Matt. Renee sat up stiffly, tossing the blanket off her legs to swivel around and place her bare feet on the floor beneath her.
