It seemed Eli’s curiosity was piqued. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, like I’m turning into a different version of myself. I’m trying to leave some old stuff behind so I can move forward…in a different direction.”
“It sounds like you’re in the chrysalis stage,” Eli noted.
Jonah nodded. “If you say so.”
“It’s okay,” Eli said, his words now a gentle whisper. Their conversation had taken an intimate turn, like they were close friends sharing personal thoughts about everything andeveryone. This only intensified the waves of joy Jonah felt. “I am, too.”
To Jonah’s surprise, a bright blue butterfly landed on the sleeve of his jacket. In awe of the sudden appearance of such a beautiful thing, Jonah felt something inside of him switch on, like a light.
“You have to make a wish,” Eli said. “Whenever a butterfly lands on you, it’s considered a form of luck, so you’re supposed to make a wish.”
Glancing at the soft allure of Eli’s mouth and, wondering what it would be like to kiss such a beautiful man, Jonah answered with, “Okay.” Jonah turned back to the butterfly and then looked to Eli again and said, “I will, if you will.”
Arrivals and Departures by Daunte Love
Gabriel retrieved his phone while exiting the meeting. Checking notifications, he noticed a single text from an unknown number.
Unknown: Been missing you like crazy. Hope you didn’t forget me.
“Not staying for the luncheon?”
Gabriel looked up. “Afraid not. Flight to catch.”
“Gotcha. Have a safe trip.”
Grabbing his luggage from an unoccupied office, Gabriel followed business partner, Claire, outside to an awaiting shuttle.
Gabriel: Who is this?
A response appeared moments later.
Unknown: Paulo.
Gabriel had last seen Paulo when ICE raided a pool hall, detaining two dozen men for deportation. Rushing over after a frantic call, Gabriel spotted Paulo just before he was shoved into a van and taken away.
“Be seeing you,mi amor,” was the last words Gabriel heard before the van doors slammed shut.
That was nearly four years ago.
“You alright? Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine, Claire.”
“You sure?”
He nodded, lost in thought.
Paulo: Gabriel?
Gabriel: Yes?
Paulo: Is it really you?
Gabriel: Yes.
Several heart emojis appeared.
