The Morning

It was 5:00 AM on August 14th, 2023, when Sara began to stir.

The soft glow of dawn's first light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle, pale hue over the room. Sara's eyelids fluttered, and she let out a quiet yawn as she slowly emerged from her slumber.

Sara stretched her limbs lazily, feeling the pleasant ache of a good night's rest. She couldn't help but smile as she recalled the events of the previous evening, a blurry mix of laughter, drinks, and Richard's concerned face.

As she sat up in bed, ready to face the day ahead, her smile turned into a gasp of shock. There, right beside her in the bed, was Richard, sound asleep. His form was peaceful, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. The surprise of finding him in her bed left her momentarily speechless.