Friendly smile

Elle awoke with a start, a cold sweat painting her forehead. Her breath came in sharp, staccato bursts, each inhalation a futile attempt to dispel the terror of her nightmare.

Pushing the covers aside, she launched herself out of the bed, her heartbeat frantic. She hastened outside, and the blaze of the noon sun, stunned her. She had thought it was still late in the morning!

Soon, she found her feet rushing to Alicia's house.

As she approached, wafts of a just-concluded lunch filled the air.

She almost collided with the door, breathless. The door opened to reveal Alicia, her face morphing from surprise to concern. Behind her, Zeke and Azy were just settling down from their meal.

"Elle, what happened?" Concern etched lines into Alicia's gentle features as she welcomed her.