In-Between the Shadows

13. New Feelings Arouse

I was more at work than I had ever been before. I barely even had enough time to sleep! For once, though, I was alright with it. It took my mind off of many things, one of which was the growing concern I had for Daniel. I rarely saw him anymore, and even then, it was brief.

I began to worry that maybe he had gotten sick himself.

At work, because of the weather, many others got sick, and because of that, I was constantly moving around, always washing my hands, and always at the risk of getting ill myself.

I brought my fear up to Dr. Glass who reassured me that I have earned the right to rest if I had ever gotten sick. I was glad about that. Part of me was even thinking of using that to my advantage.

Michael was very weak after that. He just barely made it, but he will forever remain fragile. He's even partially blind. His family are in debt because of him, but they said it was worth it. I wonder if they really meant it.

It had been almost a month since we came back, and I had never felt more alive. I can't say that I smiled so much, but for once, I felt like I had some sort of purpose.

However, I missed the way I felt with Daniel. I suppose I should tell you that I missed every bit of him. He hadn't slept in bed since we came back. In the rare times I was alone with myself, I thought of him. I thought of his warm lips on mine and the flow of his words.

On weekends, I was at work, but I had requested a day off just for him. I was determined to spend it with him. Dr. Glass made me promise that I would be back the next day.

I had crossed my fingers behind my back.

That night, after dinner (which he did not attend), I knocked on his door. He did not answer. I tried again, saying, "Daniel, I have news. Please open up."

Daniel didn't open the door. "Daniel..."

At last, he answered the door. He held it as he stood in the doorframe, looking down at me. "What is it?" He said, monotonous-like.

"I'm free tomorrow. Please, come spend the day with me."

"And why is that? You have work, Isaac."

"I took a day off. Can I come in? I miss you." He wasn't answering. I resorted to my second plan. I stood on my tiptoes to press a kiss to his neck. He let me in after that. I closed the door and pushed him against the door as I planted a another kiss to his neck, and then his jaw, but he wouldn't let me kiss his lips.

"What's wrong? Why won't you look at me?"

"What is it that you want?"

"You. I want you. Please look at me, Daniel."

His eyes were cold, but they were on mine. It made me shiver. "Daniel," I said. Why won't you tell me what is wrong?"

"Because I don't want you."

I stood frozen. "What?"

"I said, I don't want you, Isaac."

I shook it off. "Alright, that's fine. We can do it some other time. Let's just talk, alright? Can't we just talk like we used to?"

I pulled the chair our from the desk and sat in it. I motioned for him to sit as well, but he stayed where he was. "Daniel," I said. "Come sit."

He did it when I told him to, slowly lowering himself down in the armchair. "I don't remember the last time I've been in here," I said, looking around. For the most part, the rooms were exactly the same, but when I had the chance,  I looked into the other rooms. Some guests preferred to hang pictures of loved ones on their walls. Some even hung up art. I hadn't changed a thing, and neither had Daniel.