Mano turned forward but hid half his face behind his arm. Ody could only see his trembling lips. “It hurts that they’re not here.”
Ody’s expression softened. He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Your parents?”
Mano nodded through his sobs, then turned toward the wall. Tears slipped down his face.
Ody reached out and gently wiped one cheek. Mano flinched at the touch, his teary eyes snapping to his.
“When did you lose them?” Ody asked.
“When I was ten. In London.”
Ody blinked. “In London?” he echoed.
“I grew up in England. I came to Greece after they died.”
Ody’s eyes softened with sympathy. “How?”
That question hit too deep. Mano’s face twisted. He turned away and tried to sit up, even though it hurt.
Ody gently guided him back down. “Where are you going? Lie back. I won’t ask again. If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to.”
Mano’s short, shaky breaths didn’t stop.
Ody leaned in and wrapped his arms around him. Mano froze at the unexpected tenderness.
“If you don’t want to talk, don’t,” Ody whispered. “But if you ever do, I’m right here.” He pulled back and wiped another tear from Mano’s cheek with his thumb. Their eyes met. “As long as you don’t cry, yes?” he said, almost pleading.
Mano didn’t look away.
Ody finally stood. “I’ll let you calm down. I know you need space. Just eat, please.” He picked up his plate and walked toward the room.
Mano watched him through teary eyes.
For the first time in years, someone cared enough to stay. Someone cared enough to hold him.
And he needed that.
More than he could ever admit.
Chapter 13
After Ody closed the door, Mano looked down at the plate of risotto. He leaned back on the couch and took a bite. It was better than he expected.
Ody put on headphones. He’d already noticed something about Mano in the few days they’d known each other. When he didn’t want to talk, he simply left. So tonight, with him unable to walk out, Ody chose to give him privacy instead of pressure.
When Mano finished eating, he set the plate beside him and stared at the blank TV screen.
Ody saw a notification pop up.
Mano: Can you come over?
He stood instantly and pushed the door open. “What happened?” he asked, breath tight.
Mano looked up from the couch. “Come sit.”
Ody exhaled, relaxing as he joined him. “Was it good?” He nodded toward the empty plate.
“Really good.”
