I awoke in the middle of the night to the sounds of crying. It seemed to be coming from James' and Mia's room. As I sat up, I realized that I was alone inside of my room. Where had Claire gone?
No time for that now, I needed to see what was happening. I got up and left my room.
Walking down the hallway to James' room, the sobbing got louder. As I peaked my head into the room, I saw what was happening. Mia was in James' arms, crying. James noticed my spying, but instead of scolding me, he just looked at me, his eyes distraught, like he didn't know what was wrong or, worse yet, how to fix it.
I looked from him to Mia, and back again. I had no idea what to do, so I mouthed, "Where's Claire?"
"Downstairs," he whispered, and returned to doing his best to comfort his weeping girlfriend.
I let them be, and headed downstairs to find Claire.
She was in the kitchen, sitting at the table with a glass of water. Her head was on the table.
"Claire?" I asked. "What are you doing out of bed?"
She didn't respond.
I walked up beside her and looked down at her face. Her eyes were closed. She had fallen asleep.
I shook her shoulder. "Wake up," I told her, but she was a heavy sleeper.
Sighing, I pulled the chair away from the table and scooped her legs up in my arms. She subconsciously put her arms around my neck, and I carried her back upstairs to bed.
