So why then did sleep escape her? Jo once again turned onto her back, popped her eyes open, and stared at the ceiling. The position remained just as uncomfortable as it did five minutes earlier, and ten minutes before that. She sat up, plumped her pillow, and scrunched down into her covers. Not more than twenty seconds passed before she turned onto her right side, and then switched to her left. Finally, she rubbed her eyes, sighed in defeat, and tossed her coverlet off to the side. After she slid off the bed, she donned her white cotton robe, and stepped out onto the balcony. Perhaps a bit of fresh air might assist her efforts to fall asleep. Dakota followed close at her heels. She leaned against the balustrade and gazed out at the sky. Serenity prevailed for as far as the eye could see. The earlier storm had dissipated, and the gentle breeze made for a pleasant night. Stars, made even more brilliant by the recent rain, lit up the sky in spectacular display. She turned around, chose the rocking chair promising the best view, and made herself comfortable.
