Dulceâs hands cradled Michaelâs head, their inexperience fueling a raw passion.
Taking a deep, alcohol-laden breath, Michaelâs voice wavered with a tinge of desperation. âDonât go.â
Her fingers threaded through his hair, Dulce assured him, âIâm not leaving. I wonât.â
With a swift motion, Michael rolled, pinning Dulce beneath him, his lips finding every inch of her skin, nibbling gently. Gazing up at the lofty ceiling, Dulce felt tears threaten.
Why had she decided to study overseas? Couldnât she just bear the accusation and indulge with Michael on this rainy night?
Michael wouldnât need to fret over betraying Lacey, and they could disregard their parents or anyone else.
They could stay like this forever, letting the night swallow them whole. What a delightful thought.
Harsh sunlight pierced through the window. Dulce and Michael were sprawled on the carpet, a blanket haphazardly thrown over their waists. Their skin was chilled by the morning breeze, prompting Dulce to tuck her legs in.
She cast a final glance at Michael, who remained lost in slumber.
With silent grace, she dressed and slipped away from the house.
As the door closed, Michaelâs eyes fluttered open, tears streaming down quietly. The sunlight caught in his tears, casting prisms around the room.
On the coffee table, a letter from Dulce lay unfolded.
âGood morning, Michael! Iâm sorry, but by the time you read this, I will have already departed. I donât know if Fiona ever mentioned it, but my affection for you was merely a fleeting fancy, something light-hearted. I do have a fondness for you, but it pales in comparison to my aspirations, my family, my friends, and my career. Or perhaps âfondnessâ isnât quite the right term. Watching you on TV for the first time, I felt a strange pang of heartache I couldnât understand. Watching you smoke alone in the quiet of the night deepened that feeling. It took time, but I eventually understoodâthis wasnât love. The bond between you and Lacey, the love you sharedâthatâs the real deal. And I canât be the one who stays by your side until lifeâs curtain falls.
Michael, I donât want this farewell to be drenched in sorrow, but the moments spent with you were blissful, and Iâll cherish them forever.
Iâm heading overseas to study for a while. If youâre still single when I return, perhaps Iâll consider a future with you. But for now, Iâm giving you space to sort out your past. Please, donât seek me out until youâve done so! Goodbye. Wishing you serenity and joy.
Dulce.â
Three years into Dulceâs overseas stay, Michael resolved to join her, braving the challenges of initiating a long-distance relationship at his age.
Every Friday, he would fly out, prepare a meal for Dulce, and fly back home.
Bobby often joked about Michaelâs efforts, mocking him for traveling so far just to play the role of a chef, accusing him of compromising his pride.
At the time, Bobby was clad in a new apron Fannie had purchased, cradling their infant daughter. Upon Fannieâs slightest command, he would scurry to attend to her needs.
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