REEDAH

I stood there watching the men leave. After they walked out and shut the door, I walked to the bed and lay there beside Alia. Her eyes were closed, but I was sure that she wasn't asleep. It felt like she was trying to concentrate on something.

I decided not to bother myself about her and try to get some sleep, too.

"No!" I told myself as I sat up.

I leaned against my bedframe instead. It would be too risky to sleep at this time. I stared at Alia again. She was still lying there trying to concentrate on whatever it was she was trying so hard to...