In the dim and quiet bedroom, Zoe sat up in bed, accompanied only by the heavy rasp of her own breath and the gentle, rhythmic breathing of Penelope on the couch.

The onset of unease came out of nowhere. Perhaps the traumatic experience two years ago, when she fell into the sea, had too much of an effect on her. Since then, she had often felt a sense of insecurity, prone to overthinking.

Zoe felt increasingly unsettled as the stillness deepened.

Quietly, she peeled back the blankets and slipped on her slippers, guided by the faint light, she stepped towards the floor-to-ceiling window, wanting to check if someone was indeed...