Nightmares haunted Kait relentlessly, invading her nights with memories she'd rather forget—her mother’s tragic demise, the relentless Swarm, the eerie echoes of the Locust. Sleep had become a battleground she avoided at all costs, fearing the torment awaiting in the shadows of her dreams. Instead, she wandered through the vast expanse of Baird's Mansion, its labyrinthine corridors and tranquil park offering a temporary refuge from her restless mind.

Exhausted from her aimless roaming, Kait finally settled on a secluded bench, her eyelids heavy with the weight of impending sleep. She fought against the drowsiness, stubbornly resisting the pull of the nightmares that lurked just beyond the veil of consciousness.

Even in her solitude, she couldn’t escape the subtle signs of life around her—the faint sound of footsteps on the brick trail. Instantly alert, Kait’s eyes snapped open, her heart pounding as she prepared to confront whoever dared intrude on her fragile sanctuary.

To her surprise, it was you, still dressed in your nightclothes, concern etched across your face as you approached her with quiet empathy.

"Why are you awake at this hour?" Kait asked, her voice laced with weariness and a rare note of vulnerability.

"I noticed you were gone—couldn’t hear your loud snores," you teased, a playful smirk tugging at your lips. Kait huffed, rolling her eyes, though a faint smile betrayed her amusement.

"Asshole," she shot back, her tone lightening just a bit. "I don’t snore that loud." She scooted over, making room for you to sit beside her.

"Yes, you do," you countered, settling down next to her. After a brief pause, you turned to her, your voice softening. "Nightmares again?"

"Is it that obvious?" Kait’s shoulders slumped slightly as you nodded, a tired sigh escaping her lips. "Marcus says it’ll get ‘tolerable’ eventually."