When I opened my eyes again, the morning sun was streaming in through the window, Savannah still resting in my arms. She was snoring softly. I smiled to myself. It was unlike her to sleep later than I did, so she really must have needed the extra rest. I tried to move as little as possible, watching her sleep peacefully. I wished I could see what she was dreaming about. I hoped it was something good. I hoped it was something about me.

Eventually she shifted, blinking her eyes open. She smiled when she saw me. “Good morning. How long have you been awake?”

I smiled back and lied through my teeth. “Not long. But you need to get out of bed now. It’s sunny for the first time in days, and someone promised me a tour of a secret room.”

Savannah’s grin grew wider. “I did, didn’t I?” She rolled to her side, and got out of bed. She didn’t bother finding her clothes from the day before, grabbing whatever looked clean of mine off the floor. “Come on, get your lazy ass out of bed.”

“Says the woman who only woke up five seconds ago.” I got out of bed all the same, excited to see a space of the house I hadn’t yet explored.

Luther met us at the top of the stairs, yawning. “I don’t think I slept at all last night, not that I have anything to show for it from my research.” He peered at us curiously. “What’s all the fuss? You two look like you’re up to something.”

Savannah sent me a secret wink before answering him. “We were so busy last night I forgot to tell you! Felix’s secret room. It’s an orchid conservatory,” she gleefully whispered. “You coming?”

He nodded, smiling. “A chance to see something different than the same five rooms I’ve seen? Absolutely I’m coming.”

The three of us trekked down the stairs, excited for something new. We got to the door, and Savannah turned the knob–no longer locked.

We stepped inside a different world. The sun streamed through the glass roof, making the room at least ten degrees warmer than the rest of the house. And after only feeling one temperature for so long, it felt like I was on a fucking vacation. “Holy shit,” I whispered. Everywhere I looked there were orchids. They covered every surface possible, in every color and size imaginable. I couldn’t connect the dots between cold, mild-mannered Felix, and the gardener who must have so much passion to keep all of these delicate plants alive.

“I think I’m in shock,” Luther murmured.

“Right?” Savannah spun around, face to the sun. “Isn’t it amazing?”