I Can't Sleep (Andley one shot)

It was very early in the morning, my guess is around 2 AM. For the past hour my ears have been finely tuned into the light tapping of feet against the plastic floor of our tour bus pacing up and down the length of the motor-home, and the heavy breathing from the owner of the feet. Occasionly words would be muttered and sighs would find their way through his dry, tired lips. It was a beautiful yet saddening process, to hear someone create those breaths and take those late night steps... Almost like he was troubled or hurt. It was an elaborate poetic counterpoint against those who were safely asleep, those who had already entered the world of dream and unconsciousness.

As I layed guiltily in my bunk and listened to Andy continually pace and curse at himself, I thought over the many incidents similar to tonight's. Often Andy would fail to catch any sleep, so would therefore ware out the plastic lining of the bus. He would sometimes stand beside my closed curtains, breathing and hesitating before his hands slowly slid the fabric aside. I would sit up and welcome him into my space -a safe haven where sleep was welcomed and affection embraced.

However, unlike those many sleepless nights, tonight I stepped out of my bunk and followed the sound of deep breathing.

Andy was sat with his knees to his chest and his hands clasped in a prayer stature underneath his defined chin. He appeared in deep thought as I made my way to greet him on the ground silently. I sat as he sat and breathed as he breathed. For a moment, time seemed to still just enough for reality to wake up.

"It's happening again". He said to me, his face awash with guilt and sleep deprivation.

"I know, you're not doing yourself any good walking around or getting lost amidst your own thoughts at this time in the morning... Come with me, Andy..." I asked, touching his shoulder.

"But I keep you awake. You need to sleep too". Andy pleaded.

"I promise I will, just after you sleep first."

Andy nodded at my compromise and let our hands entertwine to lead him to my bunk bed. The walk to our retreat was peaceful, his breathing had calmed and his shoulders were less rigid - it was as if he had been bathed in a mixture or nourishment and calamity.

hello! Brief authors note! I'm writing this on my phone at about 11pm so I'm very tired. This is just a simple one shot that popped into my head a while ago, this is not finished but I would love to grab some feedback from this - I'm trying a new writing style, so if you don't like it I won't use it again:) I will delete this when I update again or edit it all properly, anyway, thanks for reading!!! - Jess xx