She can't remember the last time she slept soundly through the night. Sometimes it's a noise. Sometimes it's a nightmare. Sometimes it's nothing identifiable. Tonight it's the latter.
For some time, she lies awake, staring into the black volume of the unlit, windowless room.
And then she hears it. It's quiet at first, barely audible. A sort of stuttering murmur...
Just as she begins tiptoeing to the door, grappling with curiosity and concern, the sound changes, revealing its identity.
Laughter.
She finds him in front of the television.
"V, what on earth..."
"No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
She giggles.