The room was dimly lit by the pale moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains. Jake was a guest in a friend's home, given a bed for the night after an evening of reminiscing and laughter had gone on much too late. He had gratefully slipped under the soft sheets, the weight of fatigue pulling him quickly into a deep slumber. As dawn's first light began to streak across the room, Jake stirred, feeling a warm, soft touch against his hand. Confused, he blinked his eyes open and slowly turned his head to the side. To his surprise, he found Amelia, his friend's wife, sound next to him, her breathing deep and even. Her hand had innocently found its way beside his in her sleep, their fingers lightly touching. A rush of panic and confusion gripped Jake. The last thing he remembered was saying goodnight to Amelia and her husband, David, and retiring to the guest room alone. How had she ended up here beside him? Had she mistaken this room for hers in a sleepy haze? Or was there some other explanation? Carefully, Jake withdrew his hand and gently shook Amelia's shoulder. "Amelia," he whispered. Her eyes fluttered open, and a look of surprise and then embarrassment washed over her face. "Oh my God," she stammered, sitting up quickly and clutching the sheet to her. "I... I don't know how this happened. I must've been sleepwalking. I've done it once or twice before when I'm stressed." Jake nodded, trying to hide his own discomfort. "It's okay, Amelia. Let's just keep this between us. No need to make things awkward." Amelia agreed, and with a final apologetic look, she left the room, leaving Jake to process the odd, innocent encounter. Throughout the day, they exchanged a few knowing glances but never spoke of the incident again. The secret, while innocent, bonded them in an unexpected way, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable twists and turns life can take.
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