I listened to Simon's breathing and my heart slowly calmed down. Then I gradually got sleepy.

Suddenly, the mattress shook, and my sleepiness completely dissipated. The hideous face of my foster father suddenly appeared behind my eyes.

I was so terrified that I reached forward grasping at air until I felt a pair of warm hands, and those hands held mine.

"Well, so you're not asleep."

It was Simon's voice. I opened my eyes and saw Simon standing by my bed.

I said, ...