"THE FIRST NIGHT"

The first night in my new room felt strangely comforting.

After Jasper helped me finish arranging everything, I ordered takeout, ate on the couch while we watched a couple episodes of a random show, and then headed to bed early. I was exhausted from moving and the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days. I changed into my favorite oversized t-shirt and a pair of soft sleep shorts, climbed under the fresh sheets, and turned on my laptop to watch an American series I’d been meaning to catch up on.

The show was one of those addictive crime thrillers. I made it through two episodes, eyelids growing...