That summer, my family suddenly left town to check on some land in another city. They'd be gone for a few months.
Ahh, the first real freedom after university.
There are three of us siblings: me, my older sister, and my brother. Life felt normal. My sister had a career in another city, and my brother was married and had already moved out. He lived far away. I was the only one still single, and honestly, I didn't mind being alone. I seemed like someone stuck in the work-home routine.
Back in university, I had lived alone, too. But this time was different.
Because now... Chris was in my life.
We made plans for a weekend together. A sleepover.
I packed a small bag—pajamas, toothbrush, everything we'd need. It was going to be amazing. This time was different. It would be long, cozy, and our first full night together.
Chris had just bought a red car. He'd been saving up, and life was finally starting to treat him well.
That red car became part of our story. We had adventures in it, we laughed in it—it was a part of our good days.
The night before our meet-up, I went to the coastal town, and he picked me up from there. I had butterflies in my stomach. I hadn't told anyone at home. Back then, there were no video calls. Everyone just thought I was working late.
The plan was simple—I'd be back by morning like nothing happened.
When I arrived, Chris was waiting in the car. First, he said, "Let's stop by the market."
We picked up a few things to eat, and then—oops. Chris also bought a bottle of wine.
"It's light, don't worry," he said with a smile. His roommate was on night duty, so we'd have the whole place to ourselves.
My mouth was dry from the nerves.
We got home, brought everything in, turned on the TV, had some chips and soda.
Then he said, "I'm going to take a shower."
Da-dunn! My heart raced.
And when he stepped out of the bathroom—with his damp hair and that scent I loved—he looked like a living work of art. Or maybe that's just how I saw him. Love blinds you.
I helped dry his hair. We were like one of those couples madly in love. Or at least... that's what I thought.
Everywhere in his room—lotions, creams, 7 or 8 half-used perfumes—gifts from me. I might have overdone it with the presents.
But back then, I wanted to give him the whole world.
I used to say: "Everything I have should be yours."
My darling... my love.