Entwined

Shadows of the heart

Hello everyone! I've completely revised and updated the entire chapter, as the previous version-written years ago-simply didn't meet my current standards. Additionally, I plan to rework the first five chapters and update their titles as well. I hope you enjoy the new changes!

Copyright 2024 by PETRICOR-BRUME

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.For permissions requests, contact the author at her instagram page: y.uraso

***********************************************************************

Cindy's POV

I was resting my cheek against the cool steel of the table in my favorite coffee shop, letting the chill seep into my skin as I sighed deeply, attempting to expel some of the sorrow weighing on my heart.

Loneliness enveloped me as I observed the couples around me, each in their own bubble of intimacy. I craved that kind of love-fierce, primal, and all-consuming. I envisioned a love where I could claim his soul as mine and mark his flesh as my territory, ensuring everyone knew he belonged to me. I would welcome him to do the same, yearning for someone to be my shadow, my ally, and the focus of all my desires. His gaze should scorch my soul, his touch catapults me into the depths of fervor, for I dwelt already in a semblance of paradise.

For a while now, I had been single, piecing together the remnants of my fractured heart. But perhaps it hadn't shattered; perhaps it had incinerated, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake. How does one rise from such desolation? The lore of the phoenix offers no guidance on rebirth from the ashes of love.

My reverie was pierced by the haunting melodies of a nearby street musician, his eyes as intense as the music flowing from his violin. He seemed so vital, so intact-utterly desirable. His music mirrored the fragmentation within me.

Another heavy sigh escaped me.

"For heaven's sake, get over it," grumbled Silas, my ever-practical best friend.

"Shut it, Silas. I'm heartbroken," I snapped back.

"And how long will you play that card?" he challenged.

"It's not an act. I'm cursed," I replied, my thoughts drifting to the one who had left without cause, despite my devotion.

Silas, unfazed, delivered his usual prescription. "You know what? You just need to get laid."

I rolled my eyes. Sex was Silas's solution to everything, seemingly effective for him, so perhaps it wasn't the worst advice.

Turning to face him, I caught the smirk playing on his lips; he was clearly enjoying this. As he sipped his juice and winked at me, I conceded, "You're right."

"I always am," he retorted, his smirk widening.

"Such a huge ego," I muttered under my breath.

"Big dick, big ego-it's a package deal," he quipped with a grin.

Another sigh rolled off my tongue as he finished his drink, and we settled into a comfortable silence.

Our Saturday evenings were sacred, a ritual involving one of our three favorite coffee shops in town after a grueling week at university. Today, as we entered, we exchanged nods with Jerald, the seasoned waiter who knew all the regulars by heart.