Alicia awoke to the chirping of birds outside her window. The soft light of the early morning filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she realized she was not alone in bed. Not only was her elbow bumping into the other person, but they were holding her close with their hand draped around her waist, and her face almost touching their chest.
They were both covered with a quilt.
She immediately recognized who it was—Harold had come in last night and comforted her after a dream that had disturbed her. She had asked him to join her in bed, but he had seemed surprised and a bit reluctant.
Unlike his usual self, he didn't speak much and had appeared stiff. However, Alicia made the first move and snuggled closer, putting her arm around his waist. He stiffened again, but when he recovered, he raised a hand as though about to hug her, but he stopped midair, asking, "Can I?"
