Save it for the judge

William's towering silhouette cast a menacing shadow over the motionless form of his wife. Despite her best efforts to deceive him, he saw through her pretense. He had grown tired of her games and was no longer fooled by her feigned slumber. He knew very well that it was all an act.

"I know you're awake," he stated, his voice flat with a simmering edge. "You have visitors, and they don't look happy."

The bed rustled under Dora's feigned movements, a poor imitation of awakening. "Dora." His tone sharpened, like a knife against a whetstone. "Mmm." Her hum is as fake as her concern for others.

"Get up. You have visitors." This time, William's command brooked no disobedience.

She bolted upright, eyes wide, feigning confusion. "At this hour? Can't they come back tomorrow?"

"Sleeping beauties don't check clocks," he snapped, worn out of her charades. "Get up and follow me."

Dora's feet hit the carpet, slippered and slow. She trailed behind him, down the hall that felt more like a corridor t