After freshening up, I stepped out of the room and went downstairs to get some water, moving quietly through the dim corridor as the house settled into the calm of the night.
With the cup in my hand, I began to walk back upstairs at an unhurried pace. My hair was left loose, falling naturally over my shoulders and down my back, with a few damp strands resting against my neck, while the thin inner robe I wore felt light against my skin in the cool air of the evening.
As I passed by the boys' room, a faint sound reached my ears.
I slowed my steps slightly, my attention shifting toward the door as the sound came again, this time clearer, like a low murmur mixed with uneven breathing. It was not loud, but it did not feel normal.
I stopped.
For a brief moment, I listened carefully, my brows drawing together as the uneasiness settled in my chest. Without wasting any more time, I reached for the door and pushed it open.
The room was dark.
Too dark.
