For you, I'd stand still

Two O'Clock

The piercing sun above is now beginning to lower, casting longer shadows across the park. My heart is still racing from the unexpected encounter with Ilsy's brother. His eyes, a deep, captivating brown, seem to hold the secrets of the universe. I feel a strange pull towards him, a feeling I had long thought impossible for me. His name, as I soon learn, is Mateo.

Mateo looks relieved to see Ilsy but also a bit frantic. "Ilsy, you can't just run off like that!" he scolds gently, kneeling to embrace her. His voice is deep and soothing, like a melody that calms my chaotic thoughts. That thought alone scares the shit out of me. Plus, I keep forgetting to shuffle my feet. Keep moving. Ilsy giggles and hugs him back, then turns to me with a beaming smile.

"This is my friend!" she announces proudly, as if she has known me forever. My heart melts to a mere puddle right then and there.

Mateo stands up, his gaze meeting mine again. "Thank you for finding her. She has a tendency to wander off." His smile is rich with love but weary, a testament to the challenges of raising such a spirited little girl. It must be difficult to take care of a little sister, with the parents gone. A tragedy.

"It was no trouble," I reply, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through me. Am I blushing? I quickly smile to cover up my awkwardness. "She's quite the adventurer."

Mateo chuckles, ruffling Ilsy's hair, to which she answers with a disapproving scowl. "That she is." He glances around the park, then back at me. "Can I get you a coffee or something to thank you?"

I hesitate. Getting involved with people, especially someone as intriguing as Mateo, feels dangerous. I should know better. But the lure of normalcy, of a simple human connection, is difficult to resist. Something about him is different. "Sure," I say, surprising myself with the speed and ease of my answer. "That sounds nice."

Ilsy grabs both of our hands, leading us to a nearby café with an enthusiasm that is contagious. Panic seizes my muscles. A café means sitting down; keeping still. Mateo notices my doubting and, to my surprise, acknowledges that with a small understanding nod before saying, "We could also have a to go?"

I lock eyes with that vibrant and soothing brown again. I know nothing about him. He knows nothing about me. He probably thinks I'm feeling uneasy in his presence, or that I'm feeling like I'm intruding. Nonetheless, I feel understood by him. There's no judgement from his side. I answer nodding and add a small smile. As I wait outside, Mateo leads Ilsy inside and greets the young boy standing behind the counter. They seem familiar with one another. The café is quaint, with a small patio shaded by large umbrellas. I've never been here before, but that's no shocker. I never remain in once place long enough to get to know where you can drink the best coffee or have the best wine. Mateo orders coffee for us and an ice cream for Ilsy, who is now humming happily to herself. I love how simple the joy of a child can be. I wish ice cream could render me this carefree and happy. She walks outside, dancing, her locks shimmering ever so brightly in the son, like liquid gold.

"So," Mateo begins once he hands me the coffee and I thank him silently, "I hear an accent, but I can't place where you're from. Are you visiting València, or do you live here?"

"Visiting," I say, taking a sip of my coffee. He matches my rhythm as we continue along the street. The coffee is strong and bitter, grounding me in the present moment. I like it. "I travel a lot, which must explain my weird accent."

"What brings you here?" he ask, genuinely curious. A shy smile colours his lips upon seeing my approving nod after tasting the coffee.

I hesitate, the truth too strange to reveal. I hate this part. "I enjoy the change of scenery," I answer vaguely but quickly change the topic. "And you?"