Erin knocked after I had already changed into my night clothes.
I was still pushing my hair back when she opened the door.
"With rehearsals starting," she said, leaning against the frame, "how are you getting home?"
"Miren said she can drop me off. Or Lunara, depending on the day."
Erin nodded. "I need to know which one it is. Every time."
"I'll tell you."
"You'll be coming back later than usual," she added. "So dinner might not wait."
"That's okay."
"I can leave some extra change for you. You can pick something up on the way home."
"Thanks, Mum."
She nodded.
I hesitated. "Rehearsals start at six-thirty. Tomorrow morning."
That made her pause.
"Six-thirty?"
"Warm-ups are before that. We're supposed to be there by six-fifteen."
She exhaled softly.
"I know." I reached for my toothbrush.
Her eyes moved around the room, briefly landing on the phone resting face down on my bed. She didn't comment.
"Alright," Erin said. "Let me get some rest. Goodnight, Cala."
"Goodnight."
As she walked down the hallway, I heard her add, "Goodnight, Aisling."
The door closed.
I lay back for a moment, thinking about the court, the echo of sneakers, Lunara counting under her breath.
I reached for my phone. Not to check it. Just to hold it.
Tomorrow would come fast.
I set an alarm.