The night had fallen quietly over Alfea, the moon casting a gentle glow through the windows. The castle was still, save for the soft rustling of trees outside and the occasional distant sound of laughter from the other dorms. Inside Flora's room, the silence seemed almost suffocating. Flora lay in bed, her mind racing as she stared up at the ceiling.She had been exhausted all day, emotionally drained from the constant caring and support from her friends. But as the night deepened, her thoughts began to spiral. Despite the love and comfort she had been receiving, the weight of her vulnerability seemed heavier in the quiet hours of the night.Flora tried to fall asleep, but the shadows of her thoughts only grew darker. Memories of past struggles, fears about her future, and the uncertainty of her current emotional state filled her mind. She tried to push them away, but it was as if they had a life of their own, creeping in during the stillness.As the minutes ticked by, Flora's breathing grew more shallow. She clutched her bunny tightly to her chest, wishing for the comforting presence of someone nearby. It wasn't enough to have the soft blankets and the quiet hum of the night; she needed more—she needed her friends.But no one was there. She felt the overwhelming sense of loneliness and fear creep in, and with it, the nightmare came.---In the dream, Flora found herself lost in a dark, unfamiliar forest. The trees were tall and twisted, their branches reaching out like long, gnarled fingers. She could hear the sound of footsteps behind her, the faint rustling of leaves as something—or someone—followed her. She tried to run, but her legs were heavy, as if weighed down by the darkness itself. Every time she looked over her shoulder, the shape that pursued her seemed to grow closer, its shadow looming over her.She called out for help, but her voice was muffled, swallowed by the thick, oppressive air. Her panic intensified, and with it, the terror that had been gnawing at her during the day resurfaced. She was alone, and no matter how much she cried out, no one could reach her.Then, in the darkest corner of the forest, the figure emerged—a twisted, distorted version of herself, her face twisted in an expression of despair. The figure reached out for Flora, and just as it touched her, the nightmare consumed her whole.Flora shot up in bed, gasping for air, her heart pounding in her chest. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her breath came in ragged gasps. The nightmare still lingered in her mind, the feeling of helplessness and fear washing over her again. She glanced around the room, her eyes wide, and for a moment, she felt completely disoriented.The darkness felt suffocating, and the walls of her room seemed to close in on her. Flora wrapped her arms around herself, trembling, the shadows of the nightmare still haunting her thoughts.---It didn't take long for Flora to realize that she couldn't stay alone in that room, in that silence. She needed comfort, someone to remind her that she wasn't truly alone. Her friends had always been there for her, and tonight was no different. She didn't want to disturb anyone, but the need to feel safe and protected was too great.With shaky hands, Flora pushed off the covers and slowly stood up. Her legs felt weak beneath her, as if the weight of her emotions was too much to bear. She quietly tiptoed out of her room, careful not to wake anyone, and made her way down the hallway. The sounds of the night seemed to grow louder as she walked, her heart still racing from the remnants of the nightmare.When she reached Musa's door, she hesitated for a moment. She wasn't sure if it was too late, if Musa would be asleep, but the need for comfort was undeniable. Flora took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.After a few seconds, the door creaked open, revealing Musa, her eyes still heavy with sleep but soft with concern."Flora?" Musa asked, her voice filled with concern. "Is everything okay?"Flora felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her friend. The fear from the nightmare still gripped her, and the need for comfort and safety was overwhelming. "I... I had a nightmare," Flora whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't want to be alone right now. Can I... can I stay with you?"Musa's heart went out to her, and without a second thought, she opened the door wider, inviting Flora inside. "Of course, Flora. Come in. You're safe here."Flora nodded, her eyes filled with relief. She stepped into the room and made her way to the bed, where she sat down, feeling small and fragile. The weight of the nightmare still clung to her, but she could feel the warmth of Musa's presence, and it helped calm the storm inside her mind.Musa sat down beside her, her voice gentle and soothing. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, her tone full of empathy.Flora shook her head, unable to put the nightmare into words. She didn't need to explain; Musa understood. Instead, Flora leaned into her friend, seeking the comfort of her presence. Musa wrapped her arms around Flora, pulling her close in a protective hug."It's okay, Flora," Musa murmured. "You're not alone. I'm here for you, always."Flora closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Musa's embrace soothe her racing heart. She felt safe here, wrapped in the arms of someone who cared deeply for her. The world outside, with all its responsibilities and challenges, seemed distant and unimportant in this moment.For the first time since the nightmare, Flora felt the fear begin to subside. She could feel her breathing slowing down, her body relaxing in the comfort of the embrace. Musa's voice was a soft lullaby, and the soothing rhythm of her heartbeat was a balm for Flora's soul."I'm sorry for waking you," Flora whispered, her voice small and vulnerable. "I just didn't want to be alone."Musa smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair away from Flora's forehead. "You never have to apologize for that. We all need comfort sometimes, especially after something as scary as a nightmare. You're my friend, Flora, and I'll always be here for you."Flora nodded, feeling her heart swell with gratitude. The fear from the nightmare was still there, lurking in the corners of her mind, but it no longer felt as overwhelming. With Musa by her side, she knew she didn't have to face it alone.Musa gently pulled back, but only enough to look Flora in the eyes. "Do you want to stay here for the night?" she asked softly. "You can cuddle up with me if it makes you feel better."Flora's eyes brightened at the suggestion, a small but genuine smile tugging at her lips. "I'd like that. I just want to feel safe."Musa patted the space beside her, and Flora eagerly snuggled in next to her, feeling the warmth of her friend's body beside hers. Musa wrapped a comforting arm around Flora's shoulders, offering the safety and security she needed. "Sleep tight, Flora," Musa whispered softly. "You're safe here. You don't have to worry anymore."And as Flora settled into the quiet peace of Musa's embrace, the nightmare slowly faded into the background, replaced by the feeling of being loved and cared for. For tonight, Flora didn't have to be strong. She didn't have to be anything other than herself.---
