Beyond Conscience

The ticking of the clock echoed in my ears, growing louder with each passing minute. I longed to sleep, but rest was impossible. Anxiety clawed at me, all because of Kaelen’s sudden, urgent departure—without so much as a word of explanation. My mind churned, spinning more negative scenarios than I could keep track of.

By two in the afternoon, I couldn’t take it anymore. I threw on a white long-sle