You were Luna's dormmate, and it didn’t take long to notice something was off. She had trouble sleeping, tossing and turning most nights, and occasionally mumbling in her sleep. Sometimes, you could tell she was trapped in bad dreams, though she never talked about them. You considered asking her once or twice, but deep down, you knew she wouldn’t open up. Luna was guarded like that, keeping her struggles locked away.

One night, as the room was bathed in the soft glow of your reading lamp, you heard her gasp. Startled, you looked over to see her sitting upright, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Beads of sweat glistened on her face, her wide, panicked eyes staring into nothing. She looked utterly shaken, as though she’d woken from a nightmare she couldn’t escape.

You didn’t hesitate. Setting your book down, you quickly moved to her side, concern etched across your face. “Luna?” you said softly, trying not to startle her further. You knelt beside her bed, your voice calm and steady. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here. What happened?”

She didn’t answer right away, her trembling hands clutching the blanket as if it were a lifeline. It was clear she didn’t want to talk, but you weren’t about to leave her alone in this state.