2

I yawn and stretch my hands above my head as I finish checking on my last patient of the day.

"Am beat," Luna says hanging her coat over the hanger.

"Let's go eat at the new restaurant that just opened in town. I've been dying to try out there foods."

"Well? What are we waiting for?"

She grabs my wrist and sprints towards the door.

"This place is beautiful," Luna says eyes wandering over the building frame.

Side by side, we walk through the doors the doorbell chumming indicating our presence. I scan the room and my eyes settle on the farthest corner.

"That spot should do it," I say to myself and walk towards the table with Luna.

After taking our seats, a waiter walks to us and hands us the menu.

"Good evening ladies, what will you order this fine evening?"

"What would you recommend?" Luna asks and I peer at her from the menu in my hands.

"Our restaurants special coming right up," he says and walks away menus in hand.

"Isn't he such a darling," Luna says and I roll my eyes.

"Of course he is," I say and eye the surrounding around us," this place sure is packed."

"What do you expect? This place is beautiful both internally and externally," she says and my gaze settles on her.

"Of course of course as you say your highness," I say teasingly and she playfully slaps my shoulder.

"Your meal ladies," the waiter says drawing our gaze.

"Anything else you'd like to order?"

"Are you on the menu?" Luna asks and my spoon drops from my fingers.

The waiter chuckles nervously and I cover her mouth smiling at him.

"You can go now. Don't take what she says seriously."

The waiter nods, bows and walks away and I turn to Luna.

"That was so cheesy Luna."

She shrugs and begins eating her food. I shake my head and turn to my food. After eating, we settle our bills and head out.

"That was the best. Wanna go grab some ice cream?"

I nod enthusiastically and we head down to an open air ice cream truck.

"Vanilla caramel?" I ask and her eyes light up with joy.

"You know me too well," she says and I smile and walk to get the refreshing snack.

I take a seat next to her on the lawn and hand her the cone. She nods and looks at the clear night sky.

"I miss the old days when we were young and care free," she says in a whisper loud enough for me to hear.

"Well yeah me too but somethings just grow out of us with time."

"You're probably right. But this distraction was all I needed away from work."

"Yeah me too. I feel relaxed and energised."

After we finish our cold delights, we bid each other farewell as we both head our separate ways. Shutting the door behind me, I throw my bag on the floor and slump over the bed.

"I should probably shower," I say and begrudgingly get up from the comfort of my bed.

After a warm refreshing bath, I slip into my pyjamas the warm silky fabric feeling delicate over my body. Using the towel on my head, I roughly dry the water from my hair looking at my reflection. I take a seat by my desk and turn on the night stand lamp. Once am settled down, I draw out a book from the bookshelf and run my fingers over the fabric.

"A good story is all I need to end this day."

I flip the cover and read the first chapter. After a while, my eye lids grow heavy and I stifle a yawn with the back of my hand. I shut the book and crawl into bed falling asleep immediately my head hits the pillow.

"Nine? Nine!"

I slightly open my eyes in the brightness, looking around for the source of the voice.

"Who's... there?"

My vision adjusts and I look around the serene green grasslands.

"Whoa... what is this place."

Mesmerized by the sight before me, I take a step forward to explore the beauty before me but I plunge into complete darkness.

"Hello?"

Frantically, I try to adjust my sight to the darkness to no avail. A low growl echoes through the silence and I zip my mouth shut to avoid screaming. The growling grows louder and so do the heavy shuffling of feet. Adrenaline kicking into my system, I bolt down the darkness with no destination in mind the footsteps echoing behind me. I frantically look behind me but accidentally trip on an overgrown root and fall on my hands and knees the footsteps edging closer...

I wake with a start beads of sweat flowing down my forehead. I take in deep breathes to calm my beating heart before studying my hands and feet for any bruises.

"Was that a... dream?"

I pick my phone and look at the time. I let out a sigh and pull up Luna's number. Just as am about to click the call button, my phone vibrates with a video call notification from Luna. I smile to myself and pick up.

"Girl, you're not going to believe what I..." her enthusiasm strays off as her eyes land on my face," goodness. Are you okay?"

"Am fine," I reply my voice sounding hoarse and my hand automatically finds its way to my lips.

"Nine... what happened," she asks the concern in her voice inevitable.

"It's nothing serious," I say and smile at her but she wags her finger at me.

"I'll have none of that Nine, what has you up at this time of the night?"

"You do know I could ask you the same question right?"

"Well, if you must know, am from the neighbourhood spa," she says and I smile while shaking my head.

"Are they open at this time?"

"The spas in my neighbourhood are open 24/7," she says using her fingers to represent each number and I let out a quiet chuckle.