“My Sophie…”
She was right, something tied us. Something hidden, pulling me back to her again and again, and I hoped that string would never snap.
Because deep down, I knew she was like air to me. The way a body desperately crawled toward air to survive, mine kept crawling back to her.
Only her.
I had to come back as her whole Zioh again.
When her hands lifted and almost wrapped around my neck, I broke the kiss, stopping us while I still could. I pressed my forehead against hers, panting, gazing into her hazel eyes.
I wanted to thank those eyes.
“Baby…” My thumb brushed her swollen lips, wiping away the trace of our kiss. Then I pressed the AirPods in my ears, and my voice found its calm again.
“Eight p.m. I’ll pick you up at eight tonight,” I whispered, searching her gaze for resistance. But she only looked back at me, steady, and that answer was enough.
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, smoothing it gently. “I’ll start drafting again tonight.”I need more time with you.“Bring your camera.”I need your presence beside me.
The corner of my lips tugged as my eyes searched hers. I tried to show her the depth inside me, the sincerity I couldn’t reveal freely.
I wanted to relive everything we used to do: laughing, watching, dancing, singing.
Listen to you, touch you, hold you, and show you the love you deserve.
I wanted to feel alive again, Tshabina.
Please.
38
Tshabina
My chest pounded out of control.
It was already seven in the evening, which meant that in one more hour, Zioh would come to pick me up.
Pacing back and forth, I kept glancing at the wall clock, praying it would either stop or move faster. I didn’t know.
Forcing myself upright on the bed, I chewed my nails as if they were gum.
Zioh and I… What path were we even walking?
Were we walking at all?
Had we started again?
I had no idea…
Everything felt so gray.
“What should I do, Zioh?” I whispered.
I sighed and slipped off the bed, walking toward the window and pulling the curtain aside. I checked to see if my twin had returned.
Tsabinu had told me earlier that he’d be home late, which, in his language, meant after midnight.
Perfect. That meant I could slip out when Zioh came—
