Matt woke with a start, abruptly sitting up and looking around to see where the scream had come from. He quickly pushed himself off the sofa and half-ran to the bedroom, glancing at the clock on the mantelpiece as he went, it had just gone 1 'o clock.
She was still asleep but he could see she was unsettled. She had pulled the covers over her body at some point and so Matt sat propped up against the headboard on top of the covers as he put his hand on her shoulder and lightly pulled her around so that she was looking up.
'Lesh, hey Lesh, it's okay.'
She woke and struggled with him for a few seconds before realising who it was and clinging him close to her.
The sudden proximity startled him but he wrapped his arms around her once again, this time less aware of the pain he may be causing.
'Hey, hey, it's alright.' His voice was assertive but soothing. He was in control.
He gently loosened Alesha's grip on his jumper, uncurling the individual fingers one by one.
'No, no, don't go.' There was a desperation in her voice and Matt cursed himself for leaving in the first place. He hated seeing her distressed like this.
'It's okay, I'm not going anywhere' and he kept hold of her hand in his to demonstrate his point. Her eyes were wide, staring at him as he quickly got off the bed and pulled the covers back to get in next to her.
He managed to keep his left hand around hers as he lifted his arm to offer his embrace. Alesha all to gladly accepted, lifting her head slightly so that he could slide his arm underneath her.
Matt turned his head slightly to kiss her temple and then stayed still. Alesha lay listening to his breathing. She felt safe in his arms and it didn't take long for her to let the wave of fatigue overcome her again.
Matt was doing the same, listening to her breaths. He knew he wouldn't sleep until she did so he listened intently for the difference when she drifted into unconsciousness. Satisfied she was safe, he let his own eyes close, exhausted from the day.