The first light crept cautiously through the thin curtains, brushed my face, and woke me even before Fiona yawned for the first time in the neighboring bed. My heart was heavy with sleep—or from what had happened last night. I could still feel the kiss as if it were a secret brand, and the whisper in my ear continued to echo.
"Rise and shine, beauty," mumbled Fiona, pulling the blanket half over her head, half down. "Otherwise, breakfast will happen without us, and I heard there are rolls with chocolate spread."
"I'm coming," I managed to say, even though my legs felt heavy.
We got ready. Mira was already waiting outside the door, neat, with a braided plait and the camera hanging around her neck like an amulet. Jonas came bounding down the stairs, taking two steps at once, as if we weren't in a youth hostel but on an adventure playground.
