The words blur, the numbers mean nothing.
All I see is him.
Lucas.
I miss him.
Even though I just saw him a few hours ago. I kissed him deeply and told him I’d be home by five for our ASL lessons.
Yes, we still do our ASL lessons.
And yes, I still pay him weekly.
It’s something that brought us together, and something I don’t want to ever stop doing.
My phone buzzes on the desk.
I glance down, assuming it’s Ashley reminding me of another meeting I plan to ignore.
But it’s not her.
Its him.
Krasivy:Your mom taught me
how to make medovik today.
[photo attached]
I read the message, and the moment the picture loads, something in my chest shifts.
Lucas is in the frame, holding up a slice of golden layered cake.
He’s smiling, a real smile. Shy, bright, honest.
His eyes are lit up, cheeks faintly pink, and standing beside him is my mother. She has one hand on his shoulder and a proud smile on her face.
They look like family.
I stare at the photo for a long time, barely breathing, a strange warmth spreading low in my chest. And then I smile too, because I can’t help it.
Alex:Did you enjoy
Making it?
Krasivy:Yes I did. It tastes
really nice. I can’t wait for
You to get home and try it
I stare at that last line for a second too long, thumb hovering over the screen.
I don’t smile often. Not genuinely. But right now, I can’t help it. It’s not the practice smile I wear in meetings. Or the forced smile I wear around people.
It’s soft. Private.
Just for him.
