Emily had spent ten minutes explaining lace and crochet before suddenly turning pink. "Oh, sorry! I'm rambling. You probably need to get home."

Home.

For one dreadful moment, I could only stare. I'd crossed the heavens with a pocketful of dreams, yet forgotten the rather important matter of having somewhere to sleep. "I... don't have one," I admitted.

Emily's expression softened. "Then... would you like to stay with me? Just for tonight?"

My heart fluttered. She barely knew me, and still she'd made room for me in her world.

A short walk later, I stepped through her doorway. "Oh, Emily! Your home is wonderful!"

Her room was a marvelous kingdom of fabric scraps, sketches, ribbons, and tiny treasures on every shelf. Nothing matched. Everything belonged. "I'm sorry it's messy," she murmured, rubbing her neck.

"Messy? It's full of life! It's like stepping inside your imagination!" Emily's cheeks turned rosy. "You're really sweet, Selene. Um... we should probably get ready for bed."

Bed! My first mortal sleepover! I nearly bounced out of my shoes. "Do humans sleep in these?" I asked, tugging at my hoodie.

Emily giggled. "Not usually. I have pajamas you can borrow." I looked at my new friend, who stood nearly a head shorter than me.

"How generous! Though... are they supposed to stop at my knees?" Her laughter filled the room, warm as candlelight. And for the first time since leaving the stars, I wasn't afraid of the night.

Author: @sharx_hanai