THE BURDEN OF INNOCENCE

rnoon wasn't just

what was about to happen. Thunder roared like judgment, and light

red-rimmed and tired, phone in hand. His grey hoodie clung to his frame, soaked al

the security guard. "Just w

wait for a

ound. But S

kin, glistening under the steam that still lingered in the air. She had just u

. except her

ifting slightly in surprise.

id, drawing the towel

ed. "Is Se

head. "She tra

o plug my phone for like thirt

ot the I-know-your-girlfriend kind. Thi

cking at the ed

me

was dimly lit, courtesy of the rechargeable lamp on the desk. Outside,

is phone. The screen lit up: 1%. He sighed, s

e lavender and citru

er eyes kept drifting toward him in the mirror. She noticed the way

tense,"

he replied t

then walked toward him, slower now. Like a

ook fine," s

mile. "Just tir

sked, kneeling beside hi

slightly. "

said, placing her hand lightly on his knee

throat. "She's w

kled. Low.

on the bedsheet. "But don't you ever feel... frustrated? Like she'

tayed

nd she still won't let you

," he said. "She's t

ling. "She wants all the boyfriend bene

fair," Tobi

she flinches. Every time you whisper how much you love her, sh

irgin," he

an with needs. A man who's been faith

ruptly. "I

too. And drop

berate-stood bold under the dim light. She didn't fl

o see somethi

away. "Don'

red, stepping closer. "You've al

is w

ing you feel guilty for want

make me fee

. "She sees an assignment. A testimony. A proje

n't re

out, touched

You've prayed.

otten is lecture

her convi

d at her. Really looked. And for a

all she

s brush

Testing. He

gain,

sides. But when she placed his palm

g," she whispered.

eyes. And the

th ache. She guided him to the bed-my bed. My sacred

attress squeaked as bodies tangled. Her

sh," she whispe

he d

ment, he s

ayal. To desire that o

Breathing. Sweat.

ther, her hand drawing

e finds out

maka said casual

t her. "She

l surv

n't an

e added, sitting up. "That you waited. You begged.

rapping the towel around herself again. "You'll tell her the pressu

his face. "I don't e

e smiled, turning

IC

rknob t

or cre

ing fl

ere sh

e

doorway. Wet. Br

locked

h m

sto

opened. "A

I saw ev