I want to sleep, but the night is too loud. My own thoughts are too loud.
I’m so tired of hiding.
Chapter 10
Tilly
“I still can’t believe we won!” Yana bursts out laughing, her voice carrying over the low rumble of the plane.
We are about fifteen minutes from landing, and even though the tournament has ended over twelve hours ago, the buzz hasn’t worn off.
It has been close, nail-biting close, but a win is a win. And this one feels huge.
Wins over the board always feel better than home wins.
I know I sound evil for saying that, but travel has always been close to my heart.
“I know!” I grin and lean into Yana for a side hug, both of us smiling as our cheeks might crack.
“I mean—” Zara starts, but Yana immediately raises a hand.
“Zeze, you know we love you, but no negative vibes about our game for at least a month. Thank you.”
Zara rolls her eyes, trying not to smile. “Fine. We played… well.”
“Oh, come on.” I laugh. “That’s such a fake answer. We were epic.”
“Ok, yeah, we totally ruled at that competition.” Zara finally gives in with a little grin. “Any guesses what the boys are doing right now?”
“They’re either gaming or sleeping,” I say, picturing them sprawled out in their hotel room — controllers in hand or faces buried in pillows.
Volleyball drains you until your whole body just begs for sleep, and we all learned to give in when we could.
Of course, when your mind lets you.
The boys have flown out a week later than we and wouldn’t be back for another week, but for now, it doesn’t matter.
The captain’s voice cracks over the speaker, announcing our descent, and I feel the plane tilt toward home.
That familiar jolt of adrenaline comes as the wheels reach for the runway — that short, breath-stealing rush that makes your stomach flip.
I always love that part.
When you feel your whole body vibrating, and you don’t know whether it’s excitement or the plane.
Sometimes I wish I could feel that thrill whenever I want, instead of waiting for rare moments like this.
The way it lights up your chest and makes everything seem possible for one second is an addictive feeling.
“Dear passengers, welcome to Queensland!” the captain’s voice cracks through the speakers.
We’re home.
***
“And now just turn right.” I lean forward, guiding the taxi driver until he parks in front of our block.
“Thank you so much,” Zara says with her sweetest smile.
