GABRIELThe sun was still high in the sky and Saturday was off to a great start. I loved sitting by the pool and drinking my glass of whiskey on the rocks. I had company too. And it wasn’t my mother. “I’ve been thinking,” Lilliana said.“Yes?”“Perhaps tying the knot isn’t such a bad idea,” she muttered and her tone was carefree, as if we were only discussing our daily activities and not our long-term goals.“Say that again?”She turned and grinned at me. “I don’t know, it just doesn’t seem to be an enormous problem to me.” she stated with that same grin. I was in awe. Lilliana was just as shocked as I was to learn that our mothers were arranging our future together behind our backs. I assumed that her family had already spoken to her.“Who spoke to you? Your mother? Maybe your father?” I questioned her, but she gave me no answer.Lilliana totally ignored me. But she spoke in the same airy, carefree manner, gazing at the pool.“Oh, come on, you know I don’t give a damn about what

KIRAMy God, how could I forget Madeline was in the house, too? My mother’s face went from soothing and relaxed to genuinely shocked. “Mommy…” mother repeated tears forming in the corner of her eyes. “Mom, who is this lady?” Maddie asked and my world as I knew it had just collapsed. Right at that moment, my mother approached Maddie. She reached out and gently stroked her cheek. She couldn’t get a word out. Maddie didn’t even take a step back. It was as if they had known each other all their lives. “Hello, little girl,” Mom said in a voice choked with emotion and literally kneeled before her. My heart had already stopped a few times.“Hi!” said my daughter, happy, with a wide, ear-to-ear smile. I was literally melting and barely realized the reality I was living in. I knew that this was bound to happen, but no one had prepared me for this avalanche of feelings. “What is your name sweety?” mother continued to ask her. I was still frozen in place, my heart pounding.“My name is Made

KIRAYesterday was such a full day and now I could feel my stomach turning upside down and I had an awful headache.It was a day filled to the brim with emotions. Emotions that I didn’t seem to know how to handle properly. After lunch, I couldn’t stay in the office anymore. I informed Alana that I would skip work, to let Gabriel know because I really didn’t want to face him. I first went to the pharmacy before going straight home.“You all right, sweetie?” I heard a voice as I was trying to unlock the door to my apartment.It was my neighbor, Mrs. Crane. “Yeah,” I said and forced a smile onto my face. “Just a little dizzy.”“Do you need anything, my dear?” Mrs. Crane continued to ask, and as much as I used to enjoy talking to her now I really didn’t feel up to it. “I’m fine, don’t worry, Mrs. Crane. Nothing that a little rest could not fix” “Ok, take care hon!”I didn’t answer back, but just turned the key in the door lock and walked in. I finally gained access to my apartment a

GABRIELI was feeling an acute lack of energy like never before. Especially after Kira left the office. She was very good at what she did, but that’s not what interested me. That was not why I took her on this project. I just wanted to see her more.“You what?” asked John, dumbfounded about my decision. “You know how I feel about her, so I took her on a project just so I could see her more often. I don’t think it is a crime, is it?” “That’s a bit unprofessional, Gabriel. You shouldn’t let your personal feelings get in the way of work,” he stated, concerned. “I know, I know. But I can’t help it. I just can’t get her out of my head and you know that. You know she would accept none of my invitations if it is not about the job,” I defended myself.“Well, you have to be careful. This could negatively impact the dynamics of the company and lead to a hostile work environment. Not to mention the project you are working on,” John advised me. “I understand your concerns, John. I’ll try to k

KIRASomehow, she found the balance and strength to speak one last time about the one who gave her life. “Mom, where do I even begin? You were my rock, my best friend, my everything. I never thought I would have to say goodbye to you so soon. The pain is unbearable, and the thought of living without you is too much to bear.No matter what life threw your way, you always had a smile on your face. You taught me to be strong, to never give up, and to always follow my dreams. You showed me what true love is, and I will always be grateful for the way you loved me unconditionally.Why did you have to leave me so soon? It feels like yesterday when you were here, making me breakfast and tucking me into bed at night. Now, all I have are memories, and they just aren’t enough.I miss your laugh, the way you used to light up a room with your smile. I miss your hugs, the way you used to make everything feel better with just a squeeze. I miss your advice, the way you always knew what to say to mak