It could be to explore themes of abnormal love or attachment. In some cases, the writer might be trying to show how a person's mind can be so warped that they engage in such a grotesque act. It could also be a way to create a sense of the uncanny, blurring the lines between life and death in a very extreme way. For example, if the woman has lost someone she loved deeply and in her deranged state, she crosses this unthinkable boundary.
There are several possible reasons. Firstly, it might be a means to delve into the darkest aspects of human nature. It could be a way to show how far a person can go when they are in a state of extreme psychological turmoil. Secondly, in a more symbolic sense, it could represent the death of a relationship or a part of oneself. The woman's act could be seen as an attempt to hold on to something that is already gone, in this case, the person who has died. And thirdly, it could be used simply to create a sense of horror and discomfort among the readers, as it is an extremely abnormal and disturbing concept.
One reason could be to shock the readers. Horror stories often use extreme and disturbing elements to create a strong impact. Another reason might be to explore the psychological state of the woman. Maybe she is suffering from some sort of mental disorder that makes her do this abnormal act.
Well, while I'm not familiar with a specific short story with exactly this title, in horror writing, there could be such a concept explored. It might be used to shock the reader and make them question the limits of human behavior. In a more in - depth analysis, it could be a way to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, perhaps related to grief gone horribly wrong or a form of extreme mental illness. But again, it's a very extreme and not a pleasant topic to delve into.
One possible theme could be the power of grief. The woman's extreme action might be a manifestation of her overwhelming sorrow and her inability to accept the finality of death.
One possible reason could be revenge. Even in death, she wanted the person who took her life to be punished. Another reason might be to protect others. If she thought the killer would target other people, naming the killer could be a way to stop that.
One possible theme could be rest or rejuvenation. The sleeping woman might represent the need for rest in a busy world. Another theme could be mystery, as her sleeping state could hold some secrets.
Boredom could be a reason. If a woman is in a dull relationship and feels unexcited, she might be tempted to cheat. For example, if her partner is always working and they have no quality time together.
One possible reason could be a lack of emotional connection in the marriage. Maybe she felt neglected and found that connection with the best friend. Another reason might be attraction that developed over time due to shared interests or experiences. Or it could be a moment of weakness and poor judgment on her part.
One possible detail could be the cause of her initial 'death', like a drowning incident. Maybe she was underwater for a while until she was pulled out and was unresponsive for 24 minutes.
Magic could be a reason. Like in a fairy - tale world, a spell cast by a wizard or a magical object might cause the transformation.
A curse is another common factor. In some stories, an ancient curse placed on a family or an individual for some past misdeed might result in a man turning into a woman. The curse could be activated by a specific event like reaching a certain age or entering a particular place.
Food poisoning can be a reason. Just like if a woman eats something rotten or contaminated, it can lead to a bad belly ache.