Hidden Passion [+18]

Farewell and promises

The airport terminal buzzed with the usual cacophony of voices, footsteps, and announcements, but for me, it all seemed distant. All I could focus on was the weight of Marcos's arms around me. His embrace felt both comforting and agonizing, knowing it would be the last for a while.

-You will call me when you land, right?- Marcos asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

-Of course- I replied, my words tinged with the sadness I tried to suppress. -Every day, like we promised.-

He gave me a small, reassuring smile, but his eyes betrayed the emotions he was holding back.
-We'll get through this, Alex. We always do.-

I nodded, unable to trust my voice. Instead, I leaned in for one last kiss, letting it linger, memorising the feel of his lips against mine.

When the final boarding call echoed through the terminal, I forced myself to step back. I picked up my bag and gave Marcos one last look, trying to etch his face into my memory before I turned away.

-I love you- I said, the words catching in my throat.

-I love you more,-he replied, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes.

And with that, I walked towards the gate, feeling the weight of every step.

The airplane was full of people and noises, I take my place and I connect my headphones while the captain and the flight attendants give the security instructions.
When the plane finally took off I take a quick look to the window and say bye with my hand to him.
---

The first few weeks abroad were a blur of excitement and adjustment. The city was vibrant and full of opportunities, just as I had imagined. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, I couldn't shake the ache of missing Marcos.

We kept our promise, though. Every day, without fail, we talked. Sometimes it was a quick message during a busy day, other times it was long video calls where we caught up on every detail of our lives. The distance was hard, but knowing we were both committed to staying connected made it bearable.

One night, after a particularly exhausting day, I collapsed onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. The excitement of being in a new place was wearing off, and the loneliness was creeping in. I reached for my phone, ready to call Marcos, when a message popped up.

It was a video from him. I tapped play, and there he was, standing in our kitchen back home. The soft glow of the evening light framed him as he prepared a meal.

-Hey, Alex,- he said, glancing at the camera with a smile. -I know you're probably exhausted, so I thought I'd cook dinner for us. You might not be here physically, but I wanted to do this anyway.-

I watched as he set the table, plating the meal with care. When he sat down, he raised a glass to the camera. -To us. To making this work, no matter the distance.-

I couldn't stop the tears that welled up in my eyes. His gesture, simple yet so full of love, reminded me that no matter how far apart we were, we were still connected.

As the weeks turned into a month, I began to find my rhythm in this new life. My work was demanding, but I was thriving, just as I had hoped. Yet, even in the midst of my success, I couldn't shake the longing for Marcos.

One day, after a long day at work, I returned to my apartment to find a small package waiting for me. It was from Marcos. Inside was a beautifully crafted leather journal and a handwritten letter.

-Alex, I know you're pouring your heart into your work, and I couldn't be prouder. But I also know how much you love to reflect on your experiences. I thought this journal might help you capture your thoughts, especially on those days when we can't talk as much. I miss you every day, but I'm always with you in spirit. Love, Marcos.-

I traced the lines of his handwriting, feeling a warmth spread through me. His thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me.

---

A few days later, as I was settling in for the night, my phone buzzed with a message from Marcos.

-Can we video chat? I have something to tell you.-

Curiosity piqued, I quickly dialed him. His face appeared on the screen, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.

-What's up?- I asked, trying to read his expression.

-Are you free next weekend?- he asked, his voice casual, but I could sense something beneath it.

-I think so, why?-

He grinned, and the excitement in his eyes was unmistakable. -Because I'm coming to see you. Surprise!-

My heart skipped a beat. -Wait, seriously? You're coming here?-

-Yeah,- he laughed. -I can't stay away any longer. I booked the tickets today. I'll be there for your first month anniversary in the city.-

I could hardly contain my excitement. The thought of seeing him, of having him here with me, even just for a few days, was enough to lift the weight that had been hanging over me since I left.

-That's the best news I've heard all week,- I said, grinning from ear to ear.

-I can't wait to see you,- Marcos replied, his voice softening. -We're going to make the most of every moment, I promise.-

As we ended the call, I lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling with a smile on my face. The distance was hard, but knowing that in just a few days Marcos would be here, holding me again, made it all worth it. Our love was strong enough to endure this, and soon we'd be together, even if only for a little while.

And that thought carried me through the days that followed, filling me with anticipation for the reunion that was just around the corner.