I was clean and warm. I was in a large black sweater which I kept pulling on its sleeves. Elio changed my bandages and I had held onto him for dear life, not wanting to see the open wounds on my skin that burned with no remorse. I sat with legs crossed on the chair in the closet. No words had been spoken since the shower. So much had to be said yet both of us afraid to open the channel. It had wrecked me so much seeing Elio in tears and I swore I would bury anyone alive that left him in tears again in this life. I would burn the world for him just as he would for me. My eyes followed him with every step he took. Something in me had exploded in that shower. A layer had been shed with a different one worn on me. I felt so protective, this hardcore feeling overpowering. His pain became my pain and it killed me seeing him that deep in his mind. The man was far from fine. He worked on autopilot, cleaning the room until it was pee free. His bare feet tapped on the floor. My head turned

“Smells so good.” I said, grinning like a five-year-old and it took everything in me not to clap my hands in anticipation. The hunger let itself be known, wanting to taste anything else than the bitter taste in my mouth. Elio put the lid on the pot, walking to the sink then he turned back to me. My eyes ran to the full glass of water. I frowned then it hit me and I could not help but shift back. Each movement of my body sent a whole explosion of pain. “Don’t shift Lethu.” Elio warned but I couldn’t help it. I was already shaking my head over and over again with my gut wrecked. The glass was placed right next to me and I stared as if he had just planted a gun. I did not dare take my eyes off him. Elio pulled the sac of pills and a cry nearly pulled from me. “Shouldn’t I eat first?” I tried to prolong the horror. “These need to be taken thirty minutes before eating.” My eyes widening even more because he pulled out more than five packets of pills and a huge bottle. I huffed out in

If anyone would ever ask me what a perfect day looked like it would be the day I had or maybe a day with Elio. He was the special component that made the day perfect. We talked in that couch. We talked each hour away until a knock came from the door. It was the bouquet of dahlias Elio had bought me with a basket filled with junk. I burned through the basket, talking his ear off until he himself laughed and it was a memory I would treasure forever. We had dinner around seven even though I was full then he scooped me up and took me to the shower. He cleaned my cuts and changed my bandages to leave me on the bathroom counter staring at him shower with my legs swinging. Everywhere his hand went, my eyes were right after like a puppy to it’s owner. I locked my eyes on him, taking in every curve, every dip in his body. I ate the tattoos up, going up his sleeve. I wondered what they meant. They were none I had seen before, just unique and beautiful symbols. It felt like he was screaming th

We woke up around ten, the best sleep of my life. Elio slipped from the bed and I was not far behind. Silence was what filled the room as I began pulling off the sheets. It was such beautiful silence with only smiles and longing eyes thrown at the other. I could not get the feeling of him sleeping on me out of my system. He took care of me in so many ways and it felt nice to feel like I was doing the same for him as silly as it seemed. I threw the other end of the sheet in the air, it flapping up to slowly flutter down and make way for Elio who stood at the other end, hair tasseled around, skin puffy. We made the bed together and it felt like making love. Elio walked to the bathroom as I put the pillows on the bed. I heard the water plop in the tub, the deepest chambers in my belly heating up and when I reached the door, it smelt so lovely. I was in for a treat with Elio waiting for my naked self. We sank into the tub together, his rock-hard chest to my bare back. Foam covered us,

“I have to change.” My voice was shaky from all the crying. I was fumbling around with no direction. I stood up, Elio up next and I could see the concern. We trickled into the bedroom. “I need to prepare snacks. I have never hosted before.” I quickly said, suddenly excited to see my friend. It was then I realized my train of thought. I had a friend. I paused where I was, turning to Elio who was holding out black leggings for me. I smiled, taking them in hand and began wearing them. “You said she is clean. You ran a check on her?” I asked as Elio held out a cropped sweater which sat so well on the trim of the leggings. “Your life is always in danger now. I have to make sure everyone in your life is there for genuine reasons and I have to keep checking to make sure their intentions stay pure.” Elio explained, his eyes dead on me to watch for my reaction. I swallowed and nod my head. “I understand. At this point you know everything about her?” I asked with Elio nodding his head.