The Guy next to Her

I lay frozen in place, unable to bring myself to move or even look at Dylan. Shame and regret hit me, and I clung to the pillow next to me as if it were my only lifeline. I didn't want to face the aftermath, the awkwardness of being with my ex-husband after such an intimate moment. So, I kept my eyes shut, hoping to shut out the reality of the situation.

After what felt like an eternity, I felt the comforting weight of a bedsheet being draped over my naked body. I could sense Dylan's presence, his silent gesture of concern. I remained still, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions, until exhaustion finally overtook me, and I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

The next morning, I awoke to find myself nestled against Dylan's chest, the thin bedspread our only covering. His arms encircled me, and I couldn't stifle the gasp that escaped my lips. "What have I done?" I whispered to myself, regret settling heavily upon me. "How did I let things go this far? Why did I act so impulsively?" I be