Shadows

In Noah's room, the morning sun filtered in, casting an interminable, soft shadow in a line over the dark wood floors. Mrs. Angela Leister-dressed in her pale pink silk robe, her hair a morning mess-across the room moved briskly and pulled open the heavy drapes. This was the golden beams of the early morning sun that spilled into the room like an unwanted visitor.

Noah groaned, burrowing further into her pillows. She felt the sharp intrusion of light upon her eyelids and pulled her blanket up in a futile attempt to keep it out.

"Come on, get up! You have slept long enough," Mrs. Leister declared, clapping her hands loudly, her voice ringing with authority.

"Ugh, I don't feel well," Noah grumbled under the pillow. Actually, she didn't only feel tired; she was emotionally drained. The last few days were dramas, pressures, and unsavory encounters just one after another that all drew her dry.

Angela sat on the edge of the bed, "I know you don't feel well, but today's Will's company ga