Light a Flame

D-DAY FOR THE CEO'S PRESS CONFERENCE

SPECIAL CHAPTER
After CH. Sixty Three

The keys can only be place in the tray beside her nightstand. The keys dangle as I set it down. Her one photograph in the bedroom astounds me.

Standing up was difficult. I cautiously approach the image. Take a look at her, she's grinning from ear to ear. I see that a lot in her movies, but never when she's not working. Has she lost weight? When was this?

Even if I asked her, she'll most likely say something related to the investigator.

Moving around her condo while she's sleeping feels illegal activity. She has no idea I'm reading through her scripts, she has no idea I handled these little dolls, she will not be furious if I enter her closet since she has no idea, and she will not be angry if she has no idea I will cook fo -

Familiarity always frightens me.

I quickly remove the post-it note from the cabinet. Not one, but three of them have been meticulously taped back together. Someone carefully arranged them.

This is my brother's handwriting. He is her manager. Of course, he can write miss have your lunch now and don't forget about you - I've never crumpled papers so quick other than bullshit memorandum.

"Off the trash you go," I said quietly as I walked to the receiving area.

My appetite gone in a split second.

***

"Again," I mumbled.

Familiarity is both unsettling and intimidating.

Another post it was peeking out of Karielis' journal, so I reached for it. Whatever happened, she'll never know.

"Fuc -" Shit, I nearly crumpled a Polaroid photograph. "Karielis?"

A familiar photo of her is shown when light passes through the post it. "That is Karielis when they went to the amusement park."

Another version of her Instagram post.

She'll never notice anyway. I crumpled yet another Vesivius note and dettached it from the polaroid. I rushed straight to the kitchen to get my wallet. It was so easy to slide the polaroid because it fitted so beautifully. I can't help but smile.

I'm all set to brag about my wallet.

***

I was bored as I looked around her apartment, I drag a chair beside her bed. I'll wait for you to open your eyes, Karielis.

If I started waiting for her here when I tucked her in, I would have never discovered how she perceives Vesirius. She obviously fixed the post-it notes. It was already ripped. I don't mind if she yells.

Look at her, she's sleeping comfortably. What made you fall in love with this woman, Viseris? She doesn't give a damn about you? She doesn't even notice you? How can you subject yourself to such agony?

Viseris, you have a filthy mouth, so why can't you express what you actually want to say to her?

The wind fluttered her curtains, and my gaze was drawn to her eyes as the wind blew a portion of her hair. My fingertips touched her skin and hair slowly and gently. I'm tempted. I don't want to lift my fingers. I want to caress her face and stroke her hair.

I want her . . . "NO! Leave me alone!"

I immediately pause and relax back in my chair. My eyes widened as I noticed her tears running down her cheeks.