Both Nimmea and Astia noticed. They had both asked her. When their words sunk through the reflective fog in Barbara's head, she mumbled their questions away. It was her, and only her, that this needs concerning.
Her prayers that day were exceptionally reverent, every word weighted and remembered perfectly. Barbara knew she was using it as a shield, but perhaps what it was trying to protect her against had already struck.
She lay awake in her dorm, surrounded by its stone walls. Night had fallen hours ago, and she had changed into her nightgown. She had snuffed the candles and prayers against sin tumbled through her mind. The hours stretched unbearably as the full moon tried to get through her window. It was as if Barbara was waiting for something.
*click - click - click*
Barbara's brea
