A Promise

There was only one problem-our hut had only two mattresses. Musashi needed one, which meant only one was left for the two of us.

"You take the bed," I told Shen. "I'll sleep on the floor."

She hesitated before shaking her head. "Can't we share it? I'd feel bad if you slept on the ground."

I agreed, and we settled in.

At midnight, I woke to the sound of quiet sobs. Shen clung to me, crying in her sleep. The images of her parents' death must have haunted her dreams.

Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, hoping it would help her feel safe. I promised myself that I won't let the same incident happen again, I will protect shen.