I stayed out there for what felt like hours, and it very well have could been. I thought I sensed something else out there, but I heard nothing out of the ordinary once my ears could make out anything besides my muffled crying and my heartbeat pumping too loudly. I took one final shaky breath, wiping off the remnants of my tears, and settled into my mask, repairing the shattered pieces of it where I let emotion slip through tonight. Tomorrow was a new day, and I would be ready for it. I would be ready for battle. - The next morning, Alice rushed in and glanced over me with weary eyes. I f.orced myself to shower the night before, even though the inky black sky was softening by the time I made it back to my room. I was glad that I didn’t run into anyone, and I didn’t have to explain. I