I want you

Maelie hurried away, not wanting to engage in any more interaction with Erland. Things were already too complicated now; she feared there would be many problems in the future if Erland were to remember her. Yet, she still wanted to stay in the shop longer. She hadn’t even gotten clothes for her child yet, but she had to leave now.

“Wait, don’t go yet,” Erland grabbed Maelie’s hand quite firmly, pulling her closer. Now, there was only an inch between them; their noses were almost touching, and Erland could hear Maelie’s irregular breath. They stared at each other; Erland didn’t look away, while Maelie couldn’t hold Erland’s gaze any longer. She lowered her eyes because her heart was suddenly pounding. Maelie wanted to hug Erland tightly, and bury her face in his chest; it would have been so comforting for her. But she couldn’t do that; she had to keep her distance from Erland so he wouldn’t know she was his wife.

“I…I have to leave now because…” Maelie didn’t finish her sentence, but E