Morning Stretch

The silence was only punctuated by slow, steady breathing.

The room should have been dark at this early hour, but a faint, whitish brightness filtered in, casting soft shadows along the walls and floor. Outside the window, a thick layer of freshly fallen snow blanketed the world, reflecting what little light there was, making the pre-dawn hours glow in an unnatural stillness.

Despite the frigid landscape beyond the walls, the room itself was warm. The heated flooring radiated a steady, comforting heat, while a sturdy iron stove, positioned at a safe distance from the bed, provided an additional layer of warmth. This winter had been much colder than the last, requiring more precautions and heavier blankets, even with the major renovations, to ensure that the cold was kept at bay.