November 22 2019
The house smelled like ají and onions and warmth—the kind of warmth that seeps into your skin, whether you want it to or not.
Luke stood awkwardly in the doorway, the sun streaking across the old tile floor behind him. In his hand was a folded hoodie AJ had left in her car.
Maria was stirring a pot, wearing her blue apron and her usual sharp expression.
Maria -You bring the jacket?
she asked without looking.
Luke held it up.
Luke- Still smells like the hospital.
Maria nodded -Then it smells like her.
---
At the Table
She set a plate of arroz con pollo in front of him, already steaming.
Maria- Sit. You always act like you're just stopping by. You never just stop by.
Luke hesitated. Then he sat. Quietly. Respectfully.
They ate in silence for a while, the ticking of the kitchen clock filling the spaces neither of them seemed willing to cross.
Then Maria said, softly- She's marrying Dave.
Luke didn't look up.
Luke- I know.
Maria -She loves him.
Luke repeated - I know
Maria studied him.
Maria - But you love her.
That hung in the air. Long. Heavy. True.
Luke swallowed.
Luke- how do you know
Maria - you have that look in your eye and the way I see you look at her. Your not just doing your job your falling for her
Luke- Doesn't matter.
Maria gave a small, sad smile.
Maria- That's where you're wrong. It always matters.
He leaned back in the chair, eyes focused on a small crack in the ceiling.
Luke - She's got her life. Her family. She's happy. I don't want to be the shadow on that.
Maria-You're not,You're the light at the edge of it.
Luke said nothing.
She reached across the table, placing her hand gently over his. Her skin was warm. Steady.
Maria - She may not have chosen you, mijo. But that doesn't make what you feel any less real. Or any less good.
He blinked hard, then nodded, jaw tight.
Luke - I know. I just... don't want to want her anymore.
Maria's voice softened.
Maria-You'll stop. When your heart is ready. Not before.
As Luke Stood to Leave
Maria walked him to the door, placing the hoodie in a paper bag with some food.
Maria- She left her Tupperware too, You tell her to come get it herself. And that she need to eat that food that I'm giving her as well so she can look after the cubby bear she has
Luke smiled faintly- Sure.
Just as he turned to go, Maria called after him, voice quiet:
Maria- You may never be hers, Luke...
He paused.
Maria - ...but that doesn't mean you didn't love her right.
He didn't turn around.
He just nodded—and walked out into the golden light of late afternoon.
