Editorials & Elegies

Chapter XIV

The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains of Wednesday's hotel suite, casting a warm, golden glow on the two figures tangled together under the covers. Enid stirred first, her eyes fluttering open. The room was quiet, the soft hum of the city waking up outside a gentle reminder of where they were.

Enid turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on Wednesday's' sleeping form. The serene expression on Wednesday's face was a stark contrast to her usual guarded demeanor, and Enid felt a rush of tenderness wash over her. She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over Wednesday's cheek, tracing the delicate lines and contours.

The events of the previous night replayed in her mind—the passionate kisses, the urgent touches, the unspoken promises. It had been a night of discovery, of vulnerability and connection, and Enid knew in her heart that she had fallen in love with Wednesday. It wasn't just a crush or infatuation; it was something profound and real.

As she watched Wednesday sleep, Enid felt a deep sense of contentment. She had never felt this way about anyone before, and the realization was both exhilarating and terrifying. She wanted to hold onto this moment forever, to stay wrapped up in the warmth and intimacy they had created.

Wednesday stirred, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, and her eyes met Enid's. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled with a lingering sense of peace.

"Good morning, Wednesday," Enid said softly, a smile playing on her lips. "How did you sleep?"

Wednesday stretched slightly, sitting up and pulling the sheet around her bare chest. She looked around the room, her expression troubled. "Morning. I... I slept well."

Enid's smile faltered as she sensed the shift in Wednesday's mood. The warmth and connection of the night before seemed to evaporate, replaced by a tension that hung heavy in the air. Her heart sank, and she reached out, placing a hand gently on Wednesday's arm.

"What's wrong?" Enid asked, her voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Wednesday looked at her, a mixture of vulnerability and fear in her eyes. "Enid, last night was... incredible. But... Letting someone this close... it's too much."

Enid frowned, confusion and hurt knitting her brows together. "What do you mean?"

She reached out to hold Wednesday's hand, but Wednesday pulled away, her expression conflicted. "I don't know if I can do this. It's all too overwhelming."

Enid felt a flash of frustration mingled with the hurt. "So you're just going to run away again? After everything?"

Wednesday's face hardened, her jaw tightening. "It's not that simple, Enid. I'm trying to protect us both."

Enid sat up, the sheet slipping off her shoulders, exposing her nakedness. She didn't care. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Protect us? Or protect yourself?"

Wednesday's eyes flashed with something unreadable. "I need space, Enid. I need to think."

She slid out of bed, hurriedly grabbing her clothes. Enid watched, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over her. She wanted to reach out, to hold Wednesday and make her understand that they could face the world together. But the walls Wednesday had built around herself were rising again, shutting Enid out.

"Wednesday, please," Enid's voice was barely above a whisper. "We can figure this out. Together."

Wednesday dressed quickly, avoiding Enid's gaze. Her movements were hurried and tense, a stark contrast to the intimacy they had shared mere hours ago. Enid noticed how Wednesday's lip trembled, a sign of the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. She opened her mouth to say more, but the words died in her throat as she watched Wednesday turn and head for the door.