e: The Shape

love had always been a dance between reach and retreat. Maybe this time it was her turn to reach. On the plane, Esi kept her eyes shut most of the flight. She pictured the canal streets Kemi had described, the galleries, the strange ease of kissing someone without fear. She didn't believe in perfect worlds-but she believed in Kemi's voice. And that was something. When Kemi opened her door and saw Esi standing there, two hours after sunset with a suitcase in hand and rain streaking her cheeks, she said nothing at first. Her mouth opened slightly, her fingers gripped the doorknob like it was the only thing keeping her upright. "I wasn't sure you'd still be here," Esi said, softly. "Or that you'd want me to be." "I didn't think you'd come," Kemi whispered. "Neither did I." Kemi stepped aside. Esi entered slowly, eyes scanning the room-half studio, half home. There were canvases everywhere, half-finished pieces leaning against the walls, colors spilled like secrets across the floor. The place smelled like eucalyptus and linseed oil. And Kemi. They stood in silence for a long beat. Then Kemi walked up, gently brushing her knuckles against Esi's. No hiding now. No corners. No shadows. "You look taller," Kemi said. "I feel light