I’m Not Dying on an Empty Stomach

I didn't sleep, though I didn't expect to sleep, so it wasn't exactly a shock, but the complete absence of rest still hit me like a sledge to the jaw. My head throbbed with every heartbeat, a slow yet dull reminder that even if my body wasn't ready to give in, my mind was dancing on the edge of it.

The shadows didn't bother us, or rather, they didn't bother the rest of the group. They still gave me shit throughout the night, and even so, they didn't actually press into my mind. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing, because maybe that was worse. If something attacks, you can fight back. When it just sits there, lurking at the edge of the firelight, you can't do shit but wonder what happens when the fire dies.