An Unlocked Door and the Longest Night of Sleep: A Personal Account
Our journey with unlocked doors began long before the advent of expensive security systems. Our home, a cozy apartment in the city, never saw a lock on the door, not even during holidays. We trusted our neighbors and each other. Even during our two-week trip to the West, visiting family in places like Denver and Phoenix, the doors remained open. This trust was so strong that when my father asked if we should lock the door before departing, his response was simple and kind: 'No what if the neighbors need something.'
University Days and a 48-Hour Adventure
Life at university added new challenges and unexpected adventures. With an upcoming sponsored 48-hour Dungeons and Dragons marathon, the event promised a unique blend of concentration and charity. The marathon began on a Friday evening around 8pm, and I had spent the day studying, leaving me exhausted but excited. By the time we wrapped up on Sunday, I had been awake for 60 hours, feeling more than a little ragged.
The Journey Back to Sleep
After the marathon, I had to navigate the campus to get to the tube station, then travel to Mile End, and finally trek nearly a mile back to my halls of residence. By the time I reached my room, it was 61 or 62 hours after I had last slept. I collapsed onto my bed, unaware of the time or my surroundings. Fourteen hours later, I awoke to discover my door wide open, as if I had simply drifted off to sleep in the midst of the chaos of the marathon.
The Unexpected Outcome
On the one hand, not a single item was stolen from the room. The room remained intact, untouched by chaos. However, on the other hand, there was no one to check on me, a stranger passed out in my bed. Nonetheless, those fourteen hours of sleep were the best I had ever experienced, a luxurious respite from the stress of both the marathon and academic demands. The event, while physically demanding, also brought a sense of camaraderie and community, ultimately raising several hundred pounds for charity and confirming the victory over a powerful dragon in the game.
Trust in Community and Extended Sleep Experience
This story highlights the value of trust in community and the unexpected benefits of giving into sleep. While the idea of sleeping alone might seem worrying, the experience proved otherwise. For those interested in enhancing their sleep, exploring the benefits of extended sleep, or engaging in community-driven fundraising and events, this personal account can offer inspiration and personal insights.