Ling Ling was still on the bed, tangled in the sheets, sleeping. Except… she was coiled up tight, knees pulled in, like she was shivering.
"Ling Ling…" I shook her gently. Her skin wasn't cold to the touch, but she shivered anyway, curling into my arms when I hugged her close.
"Wake up!" I said, louder this time.
Her eyes fluttered open, sleepy and unfocused, meeting mine.
"We need to get ready. Something's up," I said, not even sure how to explain it myself.
She blinked, still groggy, like my words hadn't fully sunk in.
"Wake up, sweet honey!" I softened my tone, giving her a little shake.
She whimpered faintly and threw her arms around me, clinging tight. My chest tightened at the sound.
"What's wrong?" I asked, brushing her hair back.
She didn't answer, just pressed her face into my shoulder.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
"Mmm," she mumbled, finally giving me something.