My curse

Sky

"Sorry, It's all too much for me. Can I have a second to absorb all the information you just gave me?" I ask Nathan, my voice hesitant.
"Of course, take all the time you need." He answers, a warm smile on his handsome face.
He takes a few steps down the aisle, away from me, giving me the physical and mental space to deal with everything he just dumped on me.

All my life, I've thought I was the only one cursed with this ability. I never thought other people might have the same journey as me but with different superpowers. Potentia is what he called my curse. Knowing that I am not alone in this changes everything for me. Maybe there is an explanation for why I can see the visions. Maybe there is a way I can stop the curse or get rid of it.

Hope. I feel it running through my veins as I start to imagine a new life where I get to live, not just exist. Where I can make friends, date and get married. A life where my hands are not the cause of my nightmares or the main reason for any relationship to end.

For the first time in a very long time, I smile. A real smile that makes my whole face glow, I'm sure. My heart feels like it will burst from all the happiness that I am feeling now. I want to scream and dance right here in the middle of the supermarket, but I stop myself.

Without thinking, I run to Nathan and hug him. He releases a choked sound, a clear sign of his surprise. I, myself, am surprised by my reaction.
Going from no physical touch to full-on hugging in a matter of seconds is definitely surprising. But I can't contain my happiness.

Nathan takes a moment before wrapping his strong arms around my waist. His big hand lands on my hair, and he starts stroking my long strands gently.
I lose myself in the hug and forget all my problems. My face fits nicely in the crook of his neck. I've never been hugged like this. I've never been held like this either.

Is this what it feels like to be hugged? To be wrapped in the warmth of one's presence?

"Are you okay?" Nathan asks in a whisper next to my ear, still holding me.
That simple question is all it takes for me to break. I start crying at first, and then a sob breaks free. Another loud one gets muffled by Nathan's chest. I start choking on my sobs and shaking from how hard I cry. The silence in the supermarket is now filled with my sobs, and I hear Nathan's voice repeat the words I craved to hear all these years. "Everything is gonna be fine. You are going to be okay. I am here. I got you." His deep voice is like a warm blanket in a cold night. I feel safe and protected in his arms.

He lets me ugly cry and wet his t-shirt for a couple of minutes while stroking my hair. I slowly calm down, and my tears start to dry.
Suddenly, I get self-conscious and realize how vulnerable I have been with a stranger I just met. I untangle myself from Nathan and swip the last tear that fell on my cheek. I can't look at him, I feel embarrassed. I shouldn't have cried like that in his arms.
I look down at the floor and apologize for the intense breakdown I just had.
"I'm sorry. I don't know...." I say in a hoarse voice but get interrupted by a deep one.
"Hey, look at me." Nathan demands, his tone serious.

But I can't look at him, I am afraid I will find judgment and pity. A look that tainted my childhood.
His fingers close around my chin, and he lifts my head so I can look at him. When I finally look at his blue eyes, I don't see an ounce of what I fear. I see understanding and admiration.

"Don't be sorry for something as human as showing your emotions. It takes great courage for someone to be vulnerable and to share their true feelings. It's an honor for me to hold you while you allow yourself to feel. To allow your body to experience what your mind refuses."
And I start crying again, but this time, it's silent and just a couple of tears that Nathan swips. His words wrap my heart in a tight hug, and for the first time in ever, I feel seen. I feel understood and not alone.
As I look at his sapphire eyes, full of warmth, a sudden certainty makes my heart beat harder. And I know right then that Nathan is going to be an important person in my life.

"I'm Sky Lindson, by the way." I introduce myself with a soft chuckle and extend my hand for him to shake.
It feels illegal for me to do so after I stopped shaking hands for years because of my curse.

As I stand with my right hand, extended waiting for him to shake it, a small voice in my head whispers doubts: What if this is all a big joke? What if it was a mistake? What if as soon as my hand touches his, I will see him dying a horrible death? What if.......

"I'm Nathan, Nathan Daniels." He says in his sweet tone, drowning all my worries in one go and silencing the chaos in my head with his hand in mine.

I smile at him, and he does the same, looking down at me, his eyes glowing.
"Do you want to go grab a bite, and we can talk about our very normal lives and how we dealt with it so far?" He asks a charming smile, playing on his lips.
"I would love to, I just need to finish my grocery shopping, and I'm all yours." I answer the same smile on my lips.
"Sounds like a plan." He replies in his confident voice.

I could cry from how happy I am right this second. Having a friend, going on a date, and feeling seen, that's all I ever wanted.
But I can't help worrying if this happiness will last or if it's another heavy lesson that will once again destroy my life.
There is only one way to find out. And I owe it to myself. Because I deserve happiness even if it was short and far between.