I watch him from the shadows. The cracked doorway casts a thin ray of moonlight through his jaw, nose, and eye. Jake�s lost in peaceful sleep, while his lips shudder with every breath, and the rumbling snores rattle in his throat. 

The sound turns my stomach. I can�t stand it � let alone sleep through it. How can anyone put up with this? Truly.

I can�t take it any longer �

Jake shifts in the bed and folds his arms across his chest. I make my move. Just a nudge of my toe drenches him in moonlight. The door glides open like a coffin lid, silent as it skates the carpet.

Jake snores on.

Slow and steady, I pad towards him. My heart gallops in my chest.

Closer, closer �

Now or never.

I�ve had enough.

My shadow crawls over him inch by inch, engulfing him in dark intentions. His smooth face twitches a little, edged by the soft locks of his brown hair. So beautiful. So perfect.

But the snoring �

Something�s got to be done.

The sound buries itself deep below my skin. It�s like a thousand fire ants singeing my flesh. An endless hum. Endless drone. Endless torment.

I have to stop it.

My fingers clench the plush pillow in my hand and I savour its fine hope. I place it beside him, but I have to be careful. He�s so much stronger than me �

I slip my fingers beneath his head. Gentle. Slow. Jake rumbles on regardless, his rasping snores grating at my soul.

I have to get him to the pillow. I have to draw him up to seal his ever-snoring gob.

Just a little higher.

A bit more.

Perfect.

I slide the pillow beneath his skull, run my fingers through his hair, and kiss his forehead. The extra height softens his dreadful snores to a mild, quiet grunt.

Much better.

      My work is done.