Right after our wedding reception wrapped up, my husband and I practically collapsed onto the hotel bed, still in half-finished outfits and completely drained. The day had been beautiful but exhausting — hugs, laughter, dancing, endless photos. When the door finally clicked shut behind us, the quiet felt like a gift. It was our first night as a married couple, yet instead of candlelight or long conversations, we fell asleep almost instantly, shoes kicked off, the soft glow of the room’s lights casting faint shadows.
Sometime in the night, I woke up abruptly. At first, I thought I was dreaming, but then I felt it — a subtle tremor under me. Not violent, but enough to make my pulse quicken. I sat up, disoriented, the city lights outside barely piercing the darkened room. I glanced at my husband, expecting him to be asleep, but what I saw made me do a double take.
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