Lust Over Love

JANUARY 2021I was exhausted, physically and mentally until the clock hit 6. Home time. A surge of energy of unknown origin suddenly flooded my veins. My smile grew bigger as I tidied up and did last minute dishes.“Mr. Karol, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I had my over one shoulder and my water bottle in my hand.“See you, my girl.” Mr Karol said before I leaned down and gave him a hug, feeling him squeeze the life out of me. “Go safe.”“Thank you. Stay well.” After scanning the room for the last time, making sure his oxygen machine was plugged in, his suction was within his reach, and his cellphone was next to him in case something happened and he needed to call somebody, I locked the door behind me.I was a healthcare assistant and had taken care of Mr. Karol for over a year. Some days it was easier than others, with his bursts of aggression and anger. He never got physically aggressive, just verbally. He had a very short temper which his meds were aiming to tame. And when I say short I

We finalised our plans the morning of our date. We ended up agreeing to meet up at a small diner in the city. Actually, the same area I worked, also the same area he lived. I found out that he and Gordon were actually renting the place together and had been friends for almost four years after meeting through a mutual friend.Apparently he didn’t have any other friends. I sat in King Kuisine on a stool facing the huge window that looked to the busy road. Perfect spot to avoid awkwardness. I could be socially awkward, even with people I knew well, how much more a guy I liked?At least here, there were people and cars going up and down the road so if at any part of the meeting I had a loss for words I could look out and act distracted. I opened my camera to check that my lipstick was still perfectly shaped on my lips. My black box braids with white wool plaited into a few of the braids was still brand new and popping. My fake nosering that I got from Shein because my mom wouldn’t actua