Between her own nightmare and the adrenaline -though fading- from her brother's, the realization of how easily she could have lost him, Gretel didn't so much as nod off again, despite trying. She relaxed though, mostly, eyes closed. She didn't plan on moving from where she was, where she could feel Hansel's heartbeat, low and steady once more.

Once dawn began to lighten the room, changing dark shadows to furniture and walls again she asked: "You awake?"