Everette tried, he really did, but he just couldn't fall asleep. He shut his eyes tight and counted to ten in his head, but he barely got to three before his mind started racing again. Everything was fine; he was at home with Kayden, not in that awful place anymore. But every time he closed his eyes, it felt like he was still stuck there, trapped in that blank white room that made him feel so small and scared.
With a huff of frustration, Everette threw the blanket off himself, sending it tumbling to the floor. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and slipped on his fuzzy slippers, the soft fabric tickling his feet. He grabbed his stuffed bunny, Mr. Floppy Ears, who always made him feel a little braver, and quietly left his room. The corridor lights were still on, casting a warm glow that made the shadows dance along the walls, even though everyone else had already gone to bed.
