Near the base of my bed, partially hidden in the dim, ambient light of the room, lay a small cluster of pale, smooth objects. They were neatly arranged, almost deliberately so, which made them stand out starkly against the dark carpet. I stood there motionless for a few moments, my mind instantly racing to fill the silence with questions. What were they? In the low light, it was difficult to make out their exact nature, but their unusual appearance sparked
