Stars Above You

twenty five

"Water? Perhaps milk. Oh wait we ran out of stock. Water then?"

The moonlight shone through the open window as Emilio walked from here to there.
I sat on a wooden chair. not saying a word, giving only a blank stare.
He turned to me, then walked closer.

He held both my hands.
"Isabella, what's the matter?"

I shook my head,
Then allowed my palm to rest on my chest,
And with a shaky breath, I said
"The wound is deeper than you expected."

He squeezed my palms.
"You'll be alright."
A mist began to cover my sight.
"What if I won't?"

He shook his head.
"Don't say that, estrella."

It was as if I was suddenly covered from the piercing arrows of the past.
His arms were around me, like a shield. A fortress.
I wept again, for the second time that day.

"I'm sorry." he whispered.
He continued to cradle me, not letting go.
I then looked up from his tear stained shirt to his angelic face.

"Can I tell you?"

He paused, looking at me intently.
"I'm not forcing you. Only when you're ready."
I let out a deep breath. "I want to spit out everything."
"I want to tell you all I've been hiding."
"I want to tell you why I can't let go of him..."

His hold on me tightened, as if offering some strength.

"I'll be here. I'll always listen."

Then, after a few seconds, words began to slip out of my mouth.

I told him the story. My story.