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KATIA
I had fallen asleep alone,with an empty stomach as my appetite had banished due to the contradicting feelings. Twisting me inside and beneath the covers.
From fury, joy, to the downward spiral created by rejection.
All playing a part in my awakening in the late night near a warm body, and during my sleepless night, I had turned toward its heat. Yet not close enough to touch.
Shifting my pillow, I searched through the darkness for him. Past the shadows, I made out his closed eyes and stretched frame. Freed from any restrictions and offered comfort by a blanket.
It seemed wrong to watch his bare and strong figure while he was unaware of my eyes on him. Immoral to the path my gaze slithered as sinful thoughts passed through.
He’d promised respect. Was this not me doing the opposite? Or was it longing for what he’d denied?
“It’s late. You should sleep.” His voice was hoarse and deeper than ever.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” Too tired to master the English language, my exhausted mind spoke Italian.
“Your sleep is restless,” Gritty Italian replied.
I smiled.
“I’m aware.”
“Close your eyes and go to bed,” he chided.
Of course he would, his moody attitude never failed. I rubbed my head onto the pillow one last time until it lay comfortably, and he gave up with a loud exhale.
It stopped as I placed my hand over his strong middle, not caring if he would reject my touch again.
I was too tired and drowsy to think about it, and he never made the effort to remove it even though his body was now stiff underneath. Whether he was too exhausted or just hopeful that I had found the path to succumb to sleep, I closed my eyes.
And in the night, I’d found an ally.
Darkness.
The night was replacedby another bright Miami morning. They all mirrored the next. And after weeks, I’d lost track of time as they all entwined into one cloudy daydream.
THE NEXT DAY
My bondwith Wex and Vino had strengthened.
We ran. Endless hours of pushing our bodies until the sunbeams fell high from the sky and our breathing would give. My muscles regained their definition as I ran and pushed my core to its limits. Only I saw, knew, and felt the change.
They now slept at the foot of the bed.
Lucca never mentioned it. Not my body, not their attachment.
And at night, we only allowed our breathing to mix.
THE DAY AFTER
I cookedmy first meal inside his home,Tortellini with fresh focaccia.
I even asked Talia, her father, and Mrs. Greco to join me so it wouldn’t go to waste.
I never found out if Lucca had tasted it, never asked. Not even when my body was restless for his warmth beneath the moonlight.
THE FOLLOWING DAY
