Night Talk

Ellen lay on her back, staring up at the dark ceiling. The room was quiet, save for a few night insects humming outside. She turned her head slightly to the side, straining to see if Mason was asleep. His silhouette was just about visible, lying a safe distance away from her on the same bed. They were sharing a blanket, something that had never happened before in their marriage.

This was their first time sharing a bed, an unusual situation brought on by her father's insistence. Ellen felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. Earlier, Colleen had dropped off some men's clothes for Mason. Ellen had been puzzled, asking why Colleen had men's clothes, to which her sister had proudly replied, "Ellen, you're not the only one who's had a man in her life." Colleen had then retreated to her room with a mischievous smile, leaving Ellen to her thoughts.