Chapter 8

Abby tried to leave the room, saying, "Fine. I'll sleep on the couch if I stay here." But Trystan caught up to her, closing the door behind her. "Oh no, please take my bed. I'll sleep on the couch." Before Abby could protest, Trystan left the room, leaving her alone.

Abby brushed her teeth with the extra toothbrush provided, feeling like Trystan had planned this overnight stay all along. She avoided her reflection in the mirror, feeling uneasy. After finishing her teeth, she put her hair in a messy bun.

As she turned around, she screamed with fright, seeing Trystan standing there, holding a tee shirt for her to wear. Abby's heart racing, she realized she had thought she was alone in the massive room.

Abby asked, "When did you come back? I didn't hear the door open and close." She sat on the bed, watching Trystan as he replied, "I came in a few seconds ago. Here is a shirt that I think you could use as a pajama shirt." He turned around, smiling, holding up a black AC/DC shirt.

Abby took the AC/DC shirt from Trystan and changed into it in the bathroom. When she came out, Trystan was still leaning against the bedpost, grinning devilishly. Abby fidgeted with the hem of the oversized shirt, saying, "Um, Trystan, I'm tired and would like to build a friendship with you."

Trystan's grin lingered as he walked to the door, his eyes never leaving Abby's. "One day, we will be together. I will wait for you until you are ready. We will do things your way. Goodnight, Abby." He slipped out the door before Abby could respond.

Abby sat on Trystan's bed, numb and dazed by his words.

Abby replayed the evening's events in her head before whispering "Goodnight" and getting out of bed to turn off the lights. She noticed a note slid under the door from Trystan, reading, "There's a glass of water outside the door." Abby smiled at his thoughtfulness, remembering her nightly habit of getting a glass of water before bed.

She opened the door to find the water in an expensive glass, which she carefully picked up and carried back to the nightstand. After setting it down, she shut the door and turned off the lights once again.

Abby walked back to the bed, phone in hand, and sent Trystan a thank-you message, smiling at her screen. She thought about how no one had ever shown her such kindness before, getting her a glass of water without her asking. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to her. Abby always kept water beside her bed because she often woke up sweating, even in winter with the fan on and window open. She set her phone down and drifted off to sleep.