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“Skazhi mne.”Tell me.

She shakes her head.

“Skazhi mne, Mila.”Tell me, Mila.

Her voice comes out broken. Barely audible.

“I’m dirty.”

The words land in my chest like a knife.

I don’t move.

“You’re not.”

“I am. I’m... I’ve been... You shouldn’t?—”

“Stop.”

She stops.

I move closer. Not touching. Just close enough she can see my face clearly.

“Look at me.” She does.

“You’re here. With me. That’s what’s real.”

I reach up slowly. I bring my hand to her wrist.

“Can I?”

She nods.

I gently pull her hand away from her mouth.

I bring her hand to my chest. Press it flat over my heart.

“Feel that?”

She nods.

Her tears come. Quiet. Her face is open. Nothing held back.

I bring my other hand up to her face. I wipe the tears away with my thumb.

“What do you want, Mila.”

Her breath comes out in a small rush.

“You.Tebya.”

“Please don’t stop.”

I lean in. I kiss her forehead. Then her cheek. Then her mouth.

Soft. Gentle.

When I pull back, I look at her.