His love was like a vigil: "close enough to reach her, far enough to let her breathe."
Cecilio held Rosa tightly, his hands gently stroking her hair and tracing the small of her back. Rosa slowly lifted her head, her eyes still red from crying. Then, without warning, she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
Cecilio froze, wide-eyed, caught between shock and longing. When she pulled back, she looked into his eyes searching, waiting for an answer.
Then he answered her without words.
Cecilio cupped her face and kissed her back deep, desperate, as if he'd been starving for her all these years. His breath was ragged, his hand trembling slightly as it moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Rosa's fingers tangled in his hair, her heart pounding against his chest. Minds far gone from pleasure they had made their way to the bed, cecilio pressing down on her while she moaned in-between kisses,,,
Moving her hands swiftly she began to unbutton cecilio's shirt....
But just when the moment began to blur into something heavier, Cecilio stopped.
He gently took her hands and held them still. Their eyes met Rosa's filled with confusion and hurt.
Without saying a word, Cecilio lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms instead. He buried his face in her hair, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back.
Whispering to her hair "let's take it slow I want to savor the moment with you"
Outside, the world had gone dark. Inside, time seemed to stop as if night itself wanted to let them stay this way a little longer.
"I love you," Cecilio whispered suddenly, the words almost lost in her hair.
Rosa looked up, their faces inches apart. "I…" she began, the words trembling on her tongue.
"Shh," Cecilio murmured. "Don't say it just because I did. I want to hear it when it's real ,,when you feel it first. And if you think we won't work out, tell me. It might break my heart a little. I might cry in the shower. but I'll still want you to be happy, even if it's not with me."
He brushed his thumb along her cheek. "For once, Rosa, think about what you want. I'll always be close just two steps away waiting for you to run into my arms."
He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Rosa closed her eyes, letting the quiet wrap around her. She didn't answer. Instead, she fell asleep in his embrace and for the first time in years, Cecilio did too. His mind was still, his heart at peace.
When morning came, light spilled gently across the room. Cecilio stirred first, smiling faintly at the sight of Rosa sleeping beside him. For once, the nightmares were gone.
Later, as they sat at the table eating breakfast he'd made, Cecilio broke the silence.
"I don't know if I still have a job now," he said with a small laugh.
Rosa swallowed before replying. "Actually… I took a leave for you. But you could quit if you want. Stay here with me. I make enough for both of us."
He smiled softly. "No, Rosa. I need to stand on my own. I want to be able to provide for you too. Besides…" He grinned. "I'm saving up to buy a house."
Rosa blinked. "A house?"
"Yeah! I've always wanted a house by the sea. We could turn it into a little resort travelers could stop by, have a drink, stay for a night or two. The ground floor would be ours, and the upper rooms for guests. We'd build a small hut to sell swimsuits, and the menu would be mostly seafood because you love it. Oh! And maybe a small bar outside, where people can sit and watch the sunset"
He kept talking, eyes bright with excitement.
Rosa stared at him quietly, her heart aching in the best and worst ways. Why does he keep saying "we"? Has he always seen me in his dreams?
She remembered, suddenly, the night after Cecilio got out of prison how she'd called him but couldn't speak. She'd stayed silent on the line, just listening to his voice say, "Hello? Who's this?"
She'd wanted to ask everything Are you okay? Did you find someone better? Do you miss me? But her lips wouldn't move. After she hung up, she whispered to no one, I miss you. Please don't forget me.
Tears rolled down her cheeks before she realized it.
Cecilio stopped mid-sentence and rushed to her side. "Hey… if you don't like a house by the sea, we can get one in the city instead," he said, panicked.
Rosa smiled through the tears. "No, Cecilio. The sea is perfect. I love it."
"Then why are you crying?" he asked softly.
"These," she whispered, "are tears of joy."
He pulled her close, his arms warm around her. "Remember," he murmured, "I'm only two steps away. Always."
Rosa smiled faintly against his chest. "Maybe we can hire a musician someone to play slow songs at the bar for couples," she said, her voice muffled.
Cecilio chuckled. "That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard you say."
They both laughed and for a fleeting moment, the world felt light again.
Later, as Cecilio put on his shoes, Rosa leaned against the doorway. "You could just stay," she said quietly.
"I know," he replied, smiling, "but I need to see my boss. I've got a lot of explaining to do."
"Okay. Just be careful," she said.
Before Cecilio could respond, the door opened. Parez walked in
disheveled, unshaven, and reeking of alcohol.
Cecilio froze.
Why does he have a key to her place? he thought, his chest tightening.
"Parez, what do you want?" Rosa asked sharply.
"What? Can't I be here?" Parez slurred, staggering slightly. "I used to sleep here a lot before"
"Parez!" Rosa cut him off, her voice stern. "Say what you came to say."
He gave a half-laugh, half-scoff. "Now you drink coffee? You used to start your mornings with vodka. I tried to help you quit, but you never listened. Guess you only change when he's around." He pointed unsteadily at Cecilio.
Cecilio clenched his fists. "Who do you think you are? You're not welcome here. Leave."
He took a step forward, but Rosa grabbed his arm.
"Cecilio, don't," she whispered.
Parez slumped onto the sofa, barely able to keep his eyes open. "You never noticed me, Cecilio. Always chasing after Rosa. But you'll never know her like I do. Oh..did she tell you that!!"
"That's enough!" Rosa snapped. "You're drunk."
She turned to Cecilio, her tone soft but firm. "Please… go for now. I'll text you later."
"Text me later?" Cecilio said, hurt flickering in his eyes. "You don't even have my number."
"Trust me, I do," she replied quickly. "I got it from your coworker. I promise I'll text you, okay? Please, just go."
Cecilio hesitated, searching her face for something
trust, truth, reassurance.
"Don't text me," he said finally. "Call me. I need to hear your voice, to know you're okay."
"I will," Rosa promised.
He nodded slowly, then turned and left.
As he walked down the hallway, a weight sat heavy on his chest. Was it a mistake to leave her alone with him?
But if he'd stayed, Rosa would think he didn't trust her. And he did. He trusted her
it was Parez he didn't trust.
"I'll just wait for her call," Cecilio murmured to himself, closing his eyes as the elevator doors slid shut.