Chapter 1180

• Being in a new atmosphere and a new bed, I didn't sleep well last night and tried to catch some shut-eye mid-afternoon. I pulled the shades, which mercifully darkened the room. I undressed and slipped into the cool lavender-scented sheets. That made me smile, knowing my brother thought of that for me. The air conditioner hummed, and the heavy curtains stopped any sunlight or sound from seeping through.
• My head hit the pillow, crisp against my cheek, and I closed my eyes and fell asleep as soon as I was horizontal.
• I was jolted out of sleep by an unexpected sound and lay still in fright, not expecting anyone to be there. I waited a while before I allowed myself to relax, re-tucking the sheet underneath my chin. But suddenly, it was ripped away from me.