Orpheus

Chapter 8: Husband and Husband

"Feeling better?" Win's voice made Bright place his attention back to him.

Bright didn't even understand why he suddenly became vulnerable in front of Win. The comfort and familiarity that Win made him feel in the past few weeks that they were together is something that he least expected. When Win was telling him about his ideas of letting go of a memory, his heart suddenly shrunk into pain. The feeling was real, like one that instantly rushed through his veins. Win's words were excruciatingly painful. All of Euri's memories came rushing back.

"Yes. I'm fine, now," he replied. Then, he forced a dry smile and expressed his gratitude for the man, "Thank you. I don't even understand why my eyes started tearing up." He let out a chuckle so Win will not worry anymore.

Win can see through Bright though. With him, Win always sees everything. He can't even understand himself why everything about Bright is transparent, like there's a special lens in his eyes when it comes to this man.

Win gave Bright an assuring smile. He doesn't want to force Bright to tell him about Euri. He wants him to open up to him in his own timing. So he said, "When you're ready, Bright. When you're ready."

Bright let out a sigh, one that feels as if it is deflating. It was as if a tension had been released from his system, but Bright knew that it wasn't relief that he felt; it was melancholy. Then he started expressing:

"Euri and I met a few years back. She was still studying back then. Literature major, a passionate writer. She's actually been a fan of mythology, too, like you. How we met, how we became close, and how we fell in love were all predictable. It was the law of proximity. You know, when you get to spend more time with that person, you get to know them more, and yeah, you fall in love." Bright stopped to look at Win and smiled.

Bright continued telling their story, why he's doing this, he doesn't understand, too. He just felt comfortable letting this one out:

"We were happy, at first. How everything changed, I can't recall. She just started becoming secretive, like every little thing that she does is always hidden. She wasn't like that. She's probably the person who's her being an open book is not an issue. There were days when she enjoyed spending time with me, but the days when she didn't want to even see the shadow of me became constant. So, I asked her. I didn't want to think the worst of her having someone new, but it just keeps on getting into my system." Bright stopped once again and then let out another deep sigh.

"Our quarrels became heavier. We became more distant. She's always staying in her unit. She rarely sees me, and even if when she does, she stays at least not even more than thirty minutes." Bright scoffed. If it is for the disappointment of what happened to them or with himself, Win cannot identify.

"What's been happening to us is something that I can't just let go. I have to clarify everything from Euri. So, I confronted her about it. She told me she's not seeing anyone and that she just wanted to be alone. But I can't seem to comprehend her reasons. I know, there's something wrong. I tried to give her the time she needed. I told her, I'm waiting for her..., but.... But - -"

Win rushed going beside Bright when the latter started sobbing and shedding tears. Win didn't expect the abruptness of Bright's reaction. He just cried in Win's arms like a baby. "Shhh... It's okay. It's okay. You may stop now. I understand. I do," Win's voice was laced with much assurance and understanding.

He held Bright into a tighter hug when the latter continued crying. He aimlessly rubbed his palm on Bright's back while from time to time tapping him, as if telling him it's all going to be okay. Win knew in his heart that what Bright feels at the moment is not something temporary; it's a pain that's been repressed. He has been carrying it in his heart for god knows how long. His crying is one full of regret and longing. Win didn't even notice that his own eyes were shedding tears on its own. When he felt that drop of water falling down, he wiped it off immediately and cleared his throat, and then asked Bright, "Would you like me to stay the night?"