We set up camp under the cover of twilight, the dim light casting eerie shadows around us. As the fire crackled, we huddled close, its flickering light casting eerie shadows around us. The air is heavy, still thick with the memory of everything we've seen—the dying fields, the burnt villages. Ryu hands out dried meat and bread, his movements slow and deliberate, and I take mine without much thought. Nikko sits beside me, nibbling on her bread, but her ears droop sadly. The usual sparkle in her eyes is gone.

How can this all have happened in just nine days? I wonder, my heart sinking. How can the Shadowfell cause so much despair so quickly?

I can't even bring myself to eat. My hands are trembling as I set the bread and meat down beside me. I don't have the appetite for it. "How could this happen so fast?" I ask, my voice shaky, barely more than a whisper.

Ryu, his face hidden beneath the shadow of his hood, nibbles on his bread, his expression unreadable. But I can sense the heartbreak in him too. "The Shadowfell wasted no time," he says, his voice low, filled with a heaviness that makes my chest tighten.

We sit in silence for a moment, the fire popping and hissing between us. The despair hangs thick, and I can't help but feel hopeless.

"What can we do?" I finally ask, my voice faltering. It's not just a question—it's a plea. I feel lost, and the weight of it all presses down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Ryu sighs deeply, the sound so tired, so filled with regret. "When the Republic fell," he begins quietly, "I hid." His words feel like a confession, and I can sense the years of guilt behind them. "I felt lost... alone. The Inquisitors were sent out to hunt the remaining Jedi. Some tried to fight, but they were put down quickly. People saw us as villains, just like Palpatine wanted."

He pauses, staring into the fire. I can tell he's deep in thought, remembering the pain of that time. "I didn't fight. I thought maybe if I waited, if I bided my time, I could come up with a plan. Maybe rally people together, start some kind of resistance." He sighs again, shaking his head. "But I didn't. I let the darkness spread."

"Ryu..." I start, wanting to comfort him, to say something, but he raises his hand, stopping me.

"No more," he says, his voice firmer now. He turns to look at me and Nikko, his eyes catching the light of the fire, and for a moment, I see the determination burning there. "I will not hide anymore. I am done running."

His words send a ripple through me, and I realize something in him has shifted. This is no longer the man who carried the weight of his past in silence. He's made a decision—a vow.

The fire crackles between us, and for the first time since we set out, I feel a flicker of hope.

Ryu sighs, his gaze still fixed on the fire. "But I don't know much about the Shadowfell," he admits, his voice carrying a sense of frustration. "The libraries in Lindórinan and Arroyo had little information. It reads more like a fairy tale than the bringer of such great calamity." He pauses, the weight of it evident in his tone.

As he speaks, a memory suddenly clicks in my mind. "Lady Kyra had a book on the Shadowfell," I blurt out, surprising even myself.

Ryu turns his head, his brow furrowing beneath his hood. "Lady Kyra?" he asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

"The guild master of the Arroyo Adventurers Guild," I explain. "She showed it to me when I told her about the Shadowfell."

Ryu's expression shifts slightly, as if he's processing the new information. "And you're certain of this?" he asks, his voice careful.

I nod. "Yes. She showed me that very book. There was a picture of the Shadowfell too."

Ryu is silent for a moment, his head dipping slightly as if he's deep in thought. Then he nods slowly. "Then to her we will go. Maybe her book contains a more detailed account of the Shadowfell's role in the great calamity."

A small flicker of hope stirs within me, but it's faint—fragile. I glance at Ryu, his expression unreadable under the shadow of his hood. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

He looks over at me, his eyes reflecting the firelight, and for a moment, he doesn't respond. Then he lets out a soft sigh. "I feel better," he says, his voice quieter now. "I still miss her, but it's not as painful anymore."

Nikko, who has been listening silently, approaches Ryu and sits beside him. He reaches out and softly pets her head, the gesture tender and protective. "Listen," he says, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "I will do everything in my power to keep you both from harm, but... it might become gruesome. The dangers we'll face—" He pauses for a moment, his gaze shifting between Nikko and me. "I'd rather you both not be involved in what's to come."

A spark of annoyance rises in me. "But Ryu—" I begin, but he gently raises a hand, cutting me off.

"I know," he says, his tone soft but firm. "I know you'll come with me no matter what I say." There's a touch of resignation in his voice, but also understanding. "I just want you to be prepared for what we'll face."

He shifts slightly, glancing up at the sky. "We should arrive in Arroyo by midday tomorrow." His voice grows serious. "Given that the Shadowfell cannot be harmed by conventional weapons, I want both of you to carry these."

Ryu reaches into his pouch of holding, his hand disappearing into the small space before he pulls out two sleek blasters.

The first one he hands to me is a strange but compact weapon. It's smaller than the blaster he wields, with a dark, sturdy metal frame. The muzzle tapers off at the front, while the body of the blaster is lined with delicate etchings and grooves that seem both decorative and functional. It's heavier than I expect, its weight solid in my hand. The grip is textured with a crosshatch pattern, making it easy to hold onto, and the edges of the blaster are smooth yet durable. There's a gleam of well-used metal on its surface, and the barrel looks like it could pack a powerful shot. I can't help but glance at Ryu, reminded of how effortlessly he wielded this kind of weapon in his memories. Nikko watches, wide-eyed, as I inspect it, her curiosity barely contained.

Next, Ryu hands Nikko a smaller blaster. It's more compact, but no less intimidating. The black casing is angular and functional, with a small barrel and a design that looks suited for quick draws. It fits perfectly in her small hands, the design clearly made for someone looking for a quick, powerful shot. Though smaller than the one I'm holding, there's no mistaking the lethality behind this weapon. Nikko holds it carefully, her ears twitching as she examines the sleek black grip, her tiny fingers curling around it. The blaster feels light but solid, and I remember how deadly such weapons were in Ryu's memories. They're nothing to take lightly.

Ryu pulls out his own blaster, and I watch carefully as he holds it up, resting the barrel on the palm of his hand. His movements are calm and deliberate, his face partially obscured by the firelight. I follow his gaze as he points to a small mechanism near the curve of the handle.

"This is the trigger," he says, his tone slightly more serious than usual. I focus on the small lever he's pointing to. It reminds me of a crossbow's release, but it's smaller, more delicate. Ryu continues, his voice firm but patient. "If you pull it, the blaster fires. But it doesn't require much force, so only have your finger on it if you intend to use it."

I nod, absorbing his words. My mind flashes back to the images from his memories, the terrible devastation these weapons can cause. I hold the blaster more carefully now, keeping my fingers away from that 'trigger'. Ryu's tone holds a warning, and it makes me feel the weight of the weapon's power even more.

He glances over at Nikko, whose wide eyes are fixated on the blaster in her small hands. "Do you understand, Nikko?" he asks softly.

Nikko nods, her fingers gripping the blaster's handle just like Ryu showed her. "I understand, Papa," she says, her voice soft but steady. Her ears twitch slightly as she adjusts her grip, clearly taking the lesson to heart.

Ryu looks back at me, and I nod as well, understanding the gravity of the situation. I've seen enough of what these weapons can do in Ryu's memories to know they should only be used as a last resort.

"When we have the time, I'll teach you both how to use them properly," Ryu adds, his gaze serious but caring. "But for now, consider these weapons a last resort."

He reaches into his pouch of holding again and pulls out two sleek items. At first, I'm not sure what they are, but then I realize they're like sheaths—perfectly sized for the weapons we're holding. He hands me the slightly larger one and shows me how to attach it to my belt, just like I would with my sword.

"This is a holster," Ryu explains, watching closely as I adjust it. "This is where the blaster will be kept at all times."

I nod, feeling the weight of the holster as I fasten it around my waist. Nikko watches intently as Ryu kneels down beside her, carefully attaching her smaller holster to her belt. Once he's done, she places the blaster inside it, just like he instructed.

The motion feels strange—unnatural. A blaster. I've seen so much death by these weapons, especially in the Jedi Temple. And now, I carry one. The thought makes my stomach twist, but I give Ryu a nod of thanks. This is necessary... I just have to remind myself of that.

"Get some sleep," Ryu says, his voice softening as he stands up. "We have a long day ahead of us."

I glance up at him, the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. "And what will you do?" I ask quietly, hoping maybe he'll rest too.

"Monitor the kingdom," he replies, his voice firm but distant.

I want to tell him to get some sleep as well, to rest his weary mind, but I know him too well. Once Ryu sets his mind to something, there's no changing it. I nod instead, knowing it's futile to argue. With Nikko at my side, I step into the tent, feeling the cool air shift as I leave the warmth of the fire.

Before I lie down, I glance back at Ryu. He's already activated the small hologram emitter on his left glove. A soft blue light flickers into existence, casting a faint glow around him. I watch for a moment longer, his figure slightly hunched over as he studies the projection. His burden is heavy, and I feel a pang of sympathy. But I know Ryu—he'll push through it.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

I settle down beside Nikko, who curls up next to me, her small frame fitting perfectly into the space at my side. Her breathing slows, and I can tell she's already drifting into sleep. But for me... sleep doesn't come so easily.

I stare up at the ceiling of the tent, my mind racing with thoughts of the day—the desolation we've seen, the weight of the blaster on my belt, Ryu's quiet determination. The fire outside crackles softly, but the night feels colder than it should. My thoughts wander, and all I can do is lie there, staring into the darkness. I close my eyes, trying at least to get some amount of sleep.

When I open my eyes, I find myself back in that chamber—the cold, dark temple where we faced the Shadowfell. But something is wrong. I stand alone. Llamiryl and Nikko aren't here, and a deep sense of unease settles in my chest. The chamber feels suffocating, the air thick with malice. My eyes dart across the room until they land on the Shadowfell, hovering ominously near the throne. His form, still formless and twisted, exudes that familiar sense of dread. But this time, beside him stands Ryu.

He looks different. My heart sinks as I take in the sight of him. His figure is cloaked in shadow, almost as if the darkness has consumed him completely. His face is pale, his features hardened and devoid of any emotion. His once warm, familiar presence has been replaced with something cold—something terrifying.

The Shadowfell cackles, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "You think you've won?" its voice echoes, bouncing off the chamber walls, making the room feel even more claustrophobic. "Ryu is mine, and nothing has changed."

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I try to speak, but my throat feels tight, fear paralyzing me. Ryu slowly opens his eyes, and a shock of terror ripples through me as I see his irises glowing orange—the same terrible hue they had when he thought Lyra was dead in Majel's chamber. Those eyes... they hold no warmth, no recognition. Just darkness.

I watch helplessly as Ryu ignites his lightsaber, the blade casting a cold, yellow light across the chamber. The hum of the weapon feels like a threat in itself. My heart pounds in my chest as I instinctively reach for my weapon, but my fingers grasp at nothing. My bow isn't there, and neither are my short swords. I'm defenseless.

"Ryu, please!" I call out, my voice trembling with desperation. But he doesn't respond. He takes a step forward, his glowing eyes locked on me, and my stomach twists in panic. His face remains cold, expressionless, utterly lacking any of the kindness I've always known. There's nothing in those eyes anymore but the hollow echo of the Shadowfell's influence.

I take a step back as he approaches, my legs shaking beneath me. "Ryu, fight it!" I plead, my voice cracking. "Please, don't do this!"

But he keeps coming. His steps are measured, deliberate, like he's already made up his mind. I see him raise his hand, and before I can react, I'm lifted off the ground, an invisible force tightening around my neck. I gasp, my hands flying to my throat, trying to pull away from the pressure, but there's nothing to grasp. I'm choking, suspended in the air, helpless.

"Please..." I manage to gasp out, my vision swimming as the hold around my neck tightens. "Don't..."

Ryu steps closer, his lightsaber glowing ominously beside him. His face remains cold, his expression blank. He doesn't stop. My lungs burn, my chest tightens, and I can barely see through the tears that well up in my eyes. This can't be real. I can't believe this is happening.

I watch in horror as he raises his lightsaber, the blade poised to strike. My heart pounds, and I want to scream, but I can't. Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion as the lightsaber comes down toward me.

Just as the blade is about to cut through me, I jolt awake.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

My chest heaves as I gasp for breath, my heart racing, sweat covering my brow. I look around, my eyes wild and unfocused at first, until I realize where I am. I'm back in the tent. It was a dream—a nightmare.

Beside me, Nikko lies curled up, her small form nestled close, her ears twitching slightly in her sleep. She's gently purring, her breathing slow and steady, completely unaware of the terror that just consumed me.

I turn my head slightly and see Ryu lying next to Nikko, his form still, his face calm in the dim light. The fire outside the tent has long since died, leaving nothing but faint embers glowing softly. The only light comes from the moon, peeking through the thick branches and leaves of the trees above, casting long, eerie shadows across the tent.

I sit up slowly, still catching my breath, my body trembling from the intensity of the nightmare. The cold, damp air of the night does little to calm my nerves, and I feel the weight of the dream pressing heavily on my chest. I glance over at Ryu's calm face and the contrast between him now and the dark figure in my dream is jarring.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm the erratic beating of my heart as I grasp my throat, still feeling the ghostly grip of Ryu's hand from the nightmare. I look over at the real Ryu, lying peacefully beside Nikko. He's asleep, his face serene, his breathing steady. But despite the calmness around me, the doubt creeps in.

Is he truly back? The question gnaws at me, twisting in my chest like a thorn. I stare at him, searching his face, hoping for reassurance. Of course he is, I tell myself, shaking my head to drive the thought away. We fought so hard to get him back.

But the unease lingers. What if it's a trick? The doubt flares again. What if the Shadowfell did win, and this is all some elaborate ploy? The thought sends a chill through me, and I can't shake it. I need air—something to clear my head.

Carefully, I slip out of the bedroll, making sure not to disturb Nikko, and step outside the tent. The cool night air hits my skin, and I breathe it in deeply, trying to steady my nerves. The forest around us is quiet, the leaves rustling softly in the breeze. It's so peaceful, yet I can't shake the feeling of dread clinging to me.

I spot a large rock not too far from the tent, bathed in the moon's soft, golden glow. I walk over and sit down on it, the cool stone grounding me. But my mind doesn't settle. The nightmare still haunts me, replaying in my mind—Ryu's cold, empty eyes, the way he reached out to strangle me, the look of pure darkness in him. I shudder, pushing the images away.

And then my thoughts drift to the moment he was controlled by the Shadowfell for real—when I almost lost him. If Apollo hadn't stopped him... I shake my head again, trying to block it out. No. This is the Shadowfell's doing, I remind myself. It's feeding me doubts and nightmares, twisting my thoughts.

I jump slightly at the sound of Ryu's voice behind me. "Can't sleep?"

My heart skips a beat, and I turn quickly, my eyes landing on Ryu standing a few feet behind me. His hood is down, his face illuminated by the soft moonlight. I see concern etched in his eyes, the same familiar warmth that I know so well. It's not that cold, emotionless expression from my nightmare. Relief washes over me, but my heart still races.

"Yeah," I manage to say, though my voice feels small.

He steps closer, his tone gentle. "May I join you?" There's a softness in his voice, a note of concern that tugs at me.

I hesitate for a moment, the doubt still clinging to the edges of my mind. But then I nod. Ryu moves quietly to sit beside me on the rock, his presence a strange comfort, even though my thoughts are still tangled. He looks up at the sky, his eyes focused on the moon glowing softly above us.

For a while, we sit in silence. I can't help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his face, trying to find some sign, some proof that it's really him. But all I see is the familiar Ryu—the one I know, the one we fought so hard to save.

Ryu breaks the silence. "Quite beautiful, isn't it?" he says softly, his gaze still on the sky.

I blink, pulled from my thoughts. "What is?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiles faintly. "The moon," he says, his tone filled with quiet appreciation. "I've seen different moons on dozens of worlds, but they always amaze me with their beauty."

I follow his gaze, looking up at the moon. It hangs in the sky, glowing with a soft, golden hue that bathes the clearing in a warm, calming light. The beauty of it strikes me, and for a moment, the nightmare seems distant, the fear fading into the background.

Ryu turns slightly, glancing at me. "Do you know why the moon glows golden like that?" he asks, his voice gentle and curious.

I shake my head, grateful for the distraction, for something to pull my mind away from the dark thoughts. The softness in his voice, the way he looks at me—it's him.

For a moment, I just sat there, letting the warmth of his hand anchor me. The fear was still there, lingering in the corners of my mind, but his presence, his steadiness, made it easier to breathe.

Ryu smiles softly, his eyes still fixed on the glowing moon. "It's something to do with the atmosphere," he begins, his voice calm, like he's slipping into a gentle explanation. "On nights like this, when the moon is low on the horizon, it has to pass through more of the planet's atmosphere. All the particles in the air scatter the shorter wavelengths of light—the blues and violets—so the light that reaches us is mostly the longer wavelengths, like reds, oranges, and yellows."

I watch him, fascinated by the way his tone softens as he speaks. It's the kind of voice that makes me feel like I'm learning something important, even though the subject feels distant and abstract compared to everything else happening around us.

"And when the moon is close to the horizon," he continues, "that's when it can glow with this golden hue. It's the same reason sunsets can look so colorful." His eyes flicker with something akin to wonder, even though I know he's seen countless moons and suns across dozens of worlds.

I follow his gaze back up to the moon, the soft golden glow bathing the landscape around us. It feels peaceful, for just a moment, like we've stepped out of the chaos of the past days and into something simpler.

"I never thought about it like that," I say quietly, my eyes still on the moon. "It's beautiful."

Ryu nods slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It is." He pauses, then adds softly, "Even in the darkest places, you can find moments of beauty, if you're looking."

I glance at him, his words settling over me like a warm blanket, pushing back the cold doubt that's been gnawing at me. Maybe it's true, I think to myself. Maybe even after everything, we can still find beauty in small moments like this.

Ryu turns to me, his gaze soft but serious. "What's troubling you?" he asks gently.

I shake my head almost instinctively, trying to brush it off. "Nothing," I mumble, but even I don't believe myself. I can feel the tremor in my voice, the weight of the nightmare still clinging to me.

Ryu's brow furrows, and he leans slightly closer. "You can talk to me, Talia," he says, his voice steady. "We're a team, and I can sense you're troubled."

His words are calm, but they cut through the walls I'm trying to put up. I offer him a small, half-hearted smile, but it feels forced. "That obvious, huh?" I say, attempting a weak joke, though it does little to hide the turmoil inside me. I let out a sigh, knowing I can't keep it all bottled up any longer.

"I had a nightmare," I start, my voice shaky. "I was back in that chamber. The Shadowfell was there and..." I trail off, my throat tightening as the memory of the nightmare flashes through my mind. The image of Ryu, consumed by shadows, fills my thoughts again. I swallow hard, trying to push it away, but it lingers.

"You were there too," I finally manage to say, my voice almost a whisper. "But the Shadowfell won. It took you, turned you into something... dark. You reached out to me, held me in place..." I pause, the words catching in my throat as the feeling of helplessness from the nightmare washes over me again. "And then... you struck me down."

The last words come out in a stammer, and I feel my chest tighten, the fear from the dream still too real. I try to hold back the tears building up, but they burn behind my eyes, threatening to spill over. "It felt so real," I say, my voice breaking as I sniffle, trying to keep it together.

I turn to look at Ryu, my heart aching. "I can't help but fear if we actually didn't win. If you've been lost to the Shadowfell this entire time." The words tumble out, and I hate how vulnerable I sound, but I can't help it. The doubt is too strong, and I can't shake the nightmare's grip on me.

Ryu watches me for a moment, his face calm, though his eyes are filled with concern. Then he speaks, his voice soft but firm. "Talia, the Shadowfell is gone. That part of me... the guilt, the pain I buried for so long—it's gone too."

His words feel like a gentle reassurance, but they don't completely dispel the fear lingering in my chest. I search his face, wanting to believe him, but doubt still whispers at the edges of my thoughts.

"But how can I be certain that's true?" I ask, my voice trembling.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. He reaches for my hand, gently taking it in his. His grip is firm but comforting, and I feel the warmth of his skin against mine. He gives my hand a soft squeeze, his eyes never leaving mine. "Because you saved me, Talia."

His words take me by surprise. "I saved you?" I ask, barely able to get the words out.

Ryu nods, his gaze unwavering. "Yes," he says, his tone steady and filled with sincerity. "I spent so long running from my guilt, hiding from it, trying to bury it deep inside. I couldn't accept what I had done, what I had lost. But you... you helped me face it. You helped me accept it. I'm not hiding anymore, not from you, not from Nikko, not from myself."

His words wash over me, but the fear still lingers. I want to believe him—I do. But the nightmare has left its mark, and I can't shake it. "How do I know this isn't a trick?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

Ryu tightens his grip on my hand, his eyes filled with warmth and certainty. "This is not a trick, Talia," he says softly. "This is not an illusion." He looks at me with such intensity that for a moment, the doubt falters. "I'm here, and I'm free of the Shadowfell's grip. You brought me back."

The warmth of his hand is grounding, and for a moment, I almost believe him. Almost.

But then the nightmare's images flash through my mind again, and I pull my hand away from his, my heart racing. "But what if you fall again?" I stammer, the panic rising in my chest. "What if the darkness consumes you again?"

Ryu's face softens, but his eyes don't waver. "It won't."

"How can you be so sure?" I ask, my voice almost pleading. I want him to say something, anything that will make the fear go away.

He pauses for a moment, his gaze thoughtful but firm. "Because I don't carry that guilt anymore, Talia." He leans closer, his tone filled with quiet conviction. "For years, I let my past define me. I let it consume me—my failures, my mistakes, Lyra's death. But I've come to understand that I can't live in that shadow forever. I'm not that person anymore. I don't have to hide what I was or be ashamed of it. It's part of me, but it doesn't control me."

I watch him, trying to absorb his words, the truth of what he's saying. His expression is sincere, his voice steady. He's not hiding anymore, and I can see it in his eyes.

"The darkness can't take me again," he continues, "because I've accepted who I am. I don't need to run from it anymore. You showed me that." He smiles, a small, warm smile that makes my heart ache in a different way.

I don't say anything for a moment, but I feel the tension in my chest start to ease. Maybe he's right. Maybe we've already won the hardest battle.

Ryu turns to me, his expression softening as the tension between us begins to settle. "Let's get some sleep," he suggests, his voice calm yet firm. "We have a long day ahead of us, and it would do us no good to face it without rest." His words are spoken with quiet certainty, the weariness of the day evident in his tone, though there's a subtle warmth in it too.

I nod, feeling a little better, the conversation having soothed some of the fear gnawing at my mind. The doubt is still there, lingering like a faint whisper in the back of my thoughts, but it's no longer consuming me. It's quieter now, more distant. I can breathe again.

Together, we stand and make our way back to the tent. The night air is cool and crisp, but I no longer feel the weight of dread pressing down on me like before. Instead, there's a strange calm that's settled over me, as if Ryu's words have created a small bubble of peace amidst the chaos.

As we step inside the tent, Ryu lies down first, and I follow, slipping into the bedroll beside Nikko. She stirs slightly in her sleep, instinctively shifting toward Ryu, her small body curling up against his. It's a familiar, comforting sight—Nikko, even in her sleep, drawn to the one she calls "Papa." I smile softly at the sight, my heart warming as I settle into my own spot.

I close my eyes, hoping that sleep will come easily this time. But as soon as I do, I feel movement beside me. I open my eyes and glance over, noticing Ryu shifting closer to me, moving carefully so as not to disturb Nikko. There's something so gentle about the way he moves, as if he's being careful, respectful of the space we share, yet seeking a closeness that wasn't there before.

Nikko, still asleep, instinctively wraps herself around Ryu, her tail twitching slightly as she nestles closer. But what catches me off guard is how close Ryu and I are now—our hands brush against each other, the contact sending a slight jolt through me.

My heart skips a beat, and I blush when I feel Ryu's fingers gently close around my hand, the warmth of his touch spreading through me like a comforting blanket. His grip is soft, careful, but it's enough to chase away the last lingering doubts that had been haunting me.

It feels nice, this small gesture of reassurance, of connection. The fear, the uncertainty—it all begins to wash away, carried off by the simple warmth of his hand in mine. Ryu is back. We did win. And I hold onto that thought, letting it fill me with a quiet, gentle relief.

I take a deep breath, my heart still racing slightly, but now it's for an entirely different reason. I close my eyes again, this time with a sense of peace I haven't felt in days. And with Ryu's hand in mine, his presence beside me and Nikko's soft breathing filling the space, I finally allow myself to drift off to sleep, the worries of the past slipping further and further away.