A Slow Burning Candle *Main story completed, additional scenes to be added*

Chapter 11: Hands

The first time they met to speak about books, it was undeniably awkward. Put into his place by casita, Bruno struggled to make conversation. Sitting so close to her, watching as she basked in the sun, put any thought of the reading they had shared out of his head.

He tried not to stare, gripping his cup, focusing on the liquid in it and the rising steam.

For the most part, it was awkward for her too. Even if casita approved, she felt as if she was forcing him in some capacity.

"I'm sorry," She started, "I didn't know your house would be so insistent."

"It's okay, casita always gets her way." He took a drink.

She drew a deep breath, unsure. He had seemed eager before, back when they had first discussed this, but now after everything that had happened, he was resisting. Maybe they had lost a chance at being friends if he was simply pulled too far back? Luz set down her cup, resting her hands on either side of the saucer, fingers tapping slightly in nervousness.

"I'm sure if I leave, she'll let you go back upstairs, there'd be no reason for you to stay." Luz couldn't fight the impulse that her mother had instilled in her to not impose on anyone else – especially when they seemed so desperate to get away.

Bruno didn't respond, he only looked down at his cup. He had to do this; it was the best for both of them.

"I'm sorry?" Her apology came out as more of a question, she was feeling completely lost at the moment. She didn't know why she was forcing him, or even herself, into this – maybe the siestas with his sisters would be enough of a community for her, enough to keep her from feeling alone. Even if they didn't share interests and she spent most of the time just listening.

"I really want to be friends, but I don't want to make you upset." Luz went to stand up, and tried to make a joke to cover her disappointment, "I'll tell casita to leave you alone, alright?"

"That's okay, you don't have to do that." He looked up at her, watching as she pushed her chair back in and murmured her goodbyes.

They weren't that far from the house, so she figured that at least if nothing else, she could still talk to Julieta, who would undoubtedly have something to say about her brother. With a sigh, she started back-

"Wait, please."

Luz turned and looked, he had gotten up from his chair, "I'm sorry, I'm not good at talking to people that – "Bruno paused, "Are new to me."

Her eyes were sympathetic, "I hope I'm not still that new?" There was a small smile on her lips and she walked back. Bruno pulled out her chair for her and she sat down again.

"Compared to most of the people here, you're still very new to me." He smiled back at her, trying to keep his expression friendly.

"I guess that's fair." The maestra picked up her café cup, "You know, I wonder why there aren't more people who have found their way here?"

He shook his head, "I was surprised that you managed to get here, I think the miracle makes us invisible."

For a moment, Luz was reminded of the turmoil that had brewed around the country some years ago. Though she hadn't experienced it herself, as she thought about the village, she was graced with a sense of peace that they had been spared to some degree.

"Is the story that Ernesto told me true? About how your family got the miracle?"

He wasn't entirely sure what she knew, and she held up a hand, "If it's too painful, I'm sorry."