Somehow, over the deafening roar of her own pulse, she could hear his footsteps receding as he walked to the side of the room. She heard drawers opening and closing, and then more footsteps. The creak of the bed to her right, the slide and thump of shoes being removed. Fabric shifting, and she realised she was listening to him undressing. Was this it? Was he going to take her now? The sound of shifting fabric continued and then the creak of the bed again, followed by softer footfalls approaching the door. The door opened and closed as he exited the room. She could faintly hear water running in the bathroom as he took a shower. After a while, the water ceased and the door opened again, followed by footfalls that went to the bed. With a creak of the mattress and the shift of what was likely sheets, she heard him settle into bed. Was he going to go to sleep? How long would she remain here? 