Hidden Passion [+18]

First Sparks

After our date, I felt a bit better. I know we are taking things slowly, but I prefer it that way. It gives us time to truly know each other, and I believe our relationship will be stronger for it. He gave me his phone number just in case I want to talk with him. I have been trying to start a conversation on WhatsApp, but it's been ten minutes and I still don't know how to begin. My mind is swirling with thoughts, making it hard to focus on anything in particular. I was so engrossed in my own feelings that I barely noticed the doorbell ringing.

When I open the door, I'm taken aback to see my sister standing there. It's been a long time since we've seen each other, and her unexpected appearance catches me off guard. She is the youngest of us three siblings, which means my youngest brother hasn't come.

-Alex! It's been so long- she exclaims with a bright smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

-Ana, how are you?- I ask, trying to mask my surprise with a smile.

-Fine, thanks-  she replies, her tone casual, though there's a hint of something unspoken in her voice.

-Oh, I'm sorry, please come in-  I say, stepping aside to let her enter the house.

I realize I haven't told you much about her yet. She's practically my twin, with our shared green eyes and black hair, though hers is longer and styled with a touch of sophistication. Her lips are perfectly shaped, and her body is model-like, which makes sense since she actually works as a model for an agency in France. Today, she's dressed in a sleek black dress and a stylish hat that complements her elegant look. As we enter the house, I start to wonder what could be so important that she traveled all the way from France to New York just to see me.

As for my brother, he was the epitome of a future lawyer. He had our father's brown eyes, the same black hair as the rest of us, and well-defined, curved lips. His physique was impressive, embodying the ideal image of a lawyer. Although he initially studied photography, it seemed that wasn't his true calling, so he switched to law. He was always the one who kept track of our family's finances, a role he took very seriously.

-Thank you-  Ana says as she takes a seat on the couch.
-Alex... I need to tell you something-

I prepare some coffee for us and try to calm my racing thoughts.
-What's up?- I ask, trying to sound casual even though my heart is beginning to race.

-I'd prefer you sit down for this- she says, her tone serious, making it clear that this is not a casual conversation.

From the way she speaks, I know it's something important. She only uses that tone when it's crucial. Once the coffee is ready, I hand her a cup and take a seat opposite her.

-¿What's it about?- I ask, my voice trembling slightly as I brace myself for whatever news is coming.

-Alex... it's about Matteo. He's... he's died- she says, her voice breaking as she delivers the devastating news.

Her announcement hits me like a freight train, and my mind struggles to process her words.

-How? When?- I stammer, feeling a wave of disbelief and sorrow crash over me.

-Yesterday. He was out buying something for you because we wanted to surprise you. He got you a golden watch. As we left the store, a robber approached us. He wanted the watch, and as soon as Matteo handed it over, the man pulled the trigger. The gunshot wound was deep, and Matteo started bleeding before I could call an ambulance. They arrived too late. When they checked for a pulse, he was already gone.-

Her news shocks me to the core, and tears begin to stream down my face uncontrollably. The room feels like it's closing in on me, and I struggle to breathe through the overwhelming grief. Ana comes up to me and hugs me tightly, offering a small measure of comfort. I feel a profound sense of incompleteness, as if a vital part of my world has been ripped away. We spend a long minute hugging, trying to find solace in each other's presence before the doorbell rings again, adding to the chaos of emotions.