You're Not Alone, Sharlynn

In the silence of the night, accompanied only by the slow ticking of the wall clock, the atmosphere in Sharlynn and Richie's room was filled with profound awkwardness.

They were lying on the same bed, yet their distance felt like an ocean.

Richie, who had been sleeping with his back to Sharlynn, slowly opened his eyes. The room's darkness was only slightly brightened by the moonlight that sneaked in through the gap in the curtains.

Not knowing if he had just woken up or if those eyes had never closed in the first place, Richie carefully turned his body.

He changed his position with an almost inaudible movement, not wanting to disturb the tranquility that had been created.

His gaze then fell on Sharlynn, who lay peacefully, her regular breathing signaling that she had sunk into a deep sleep.

The soft moonlight shone on Sharlynn's face, creating shadows that emphasized the softness of her facial features.

Richie transfixed for a moment, gazed at that innocent face. There was a soft