I snuck in quietly with delicate steps, easing the front door closed as quietly as I could. But nothing could stop the permanent squeak in the hinges.

The ugly yellow light of the sitting room light blinked on. Shadows were warped for a second as the person they depicted walked around the corner, finally solidifying the second I realized it was only Nicky.

"Hey," I whispered a little too loudly.

He smiled some, but didn't say a word as he placed one finger against his soft lips. I made a guilty face.

Just as I was about to open my mouth to mumble an apology, he placed a hand on my shoulder before exiting the house. I watched his silhouette fade in the 2 AM stillness just as the rain began to fall.

I smiled for a second, then treaded into the kitchen, hoping there would be at least an unfinished sandwich. My stomach was about to cave in.

Maneuvering delicately, I placed my bag down, but stopped mid-stride when I realized nearly a dozen people dozing quietly in an assortment of positions on the sofas, armchairs, and the floor. An array of marked papers, open textbooks, and drooling ball-point pens littered the area; I took a moment to capture the moment in my mind forever.

There was Cayla, in an easy chair from Ikea, hands behind her head. She had never been ashamed of how dark her armpits were. They stared out at me.

I never knew Maria slept with her eyes half-open. She was even mumbling.

Katie's mouth hung open, and a small river of spit could be traced from the side of her lips to a growing puddle on her biology homework, ink running in various directions.

Forgetting my empty stomach, I slowly made my way to a small, empty spot on the floor and curled up. I closed my eyes.