THE HATCH

The night was thick with silence, the kind that wrapped around my body like a suffocating blanket. My muscles ached, my back burned, and my mind refused to quiet down. Sleep was almost impossible.

How could I sleep when I had barely 15hours left to get the emerald?

My mind was reeling with thoughts, plans and back up plans just in case Thania's plan didn't work.

A soft hand shook my shoulder and I turned to the other side of the bed.

"Marcella," Thania whispered.

I pretended not to hear and remained silent, hoping she would give up and go back to sleep.

She nudged me again, even harder this time.

"Marcella, I know you're awake"

I groaned, rolling away from her touch. "Go to sleep, Thania."

"No" she said firmly.

I sighed heavily and pulled myself further under the blanket.

She forcefully yanked the blanket off my body.

"Your mind is not at peace," she said softly.