A lover's gentle whispers

Leaning against the wall in the pantry, I looked up at the row of cabinet doors above my head and slowly gulped down the sweetish liquid from the can. Granted the can was not chilled and the fizzle of carbon dioxide would surely force a few involuntary burps later, somehow it felt like it was the perfect moment to savour it as though I was drinking honey and nectar. Away from the hustle and bustle of the open concept office as well as the tons of emails which sat in the inbox – pleading for my attention first before a torrent of threats surfaced – I nursed my drink and allowed my mind to go blank for a few minutes.

***

The week started with the slim hopes of a budding romance. “Perhaps it could be ideal,” I told myself as I fantasised about being part of a couple sitting side by side on a swing or dangling our legs at the breakwaters by the sea while we, in our hearts, wave goodbye to the sun. “Perhaps it could happen,” my thoughts continued as I imagined putting my fat arm around her shoulder, tilting my head towards hers and allowing the wandering strands of her hair to gently brush my nose, leaving me with a faint hint of the scent of her hair. And there, we would sit in silence, absorbed with our own splendour and awe of God’s everyday gift to man.

The dream scenario would dissipate whenever the sinister thought crept into my head, stating how nothing has happened yet and perhaps in her head, my name, my face, my features and my voice were never that prominent to begin with.

***

“You know, we may just sit in silence, but still enjoy each other’s company.”

She smiled. “And we need not read each other’s thoughts, and still we know.”

“Perhaps we are being too idealistic? The house of cards may simply collapse with the tiniest force, like a gentle breeze,” he articulated his thoughts without going through the censor which “resided” in his head. Such was his comfort level with her that this usual process was bypassed.

“Why don’t we just enjoy these moments for what they are worth? Who knows? We may quarrel the next day and initiate a breakup,” she was as pessimistic. “Maybe this is the realist in me speaking.”

He reached towards her and held her hands. Slowly, he pulled her to his side.

“You are right, we should,” he whispered into her ear. Her world felt secure with his arms wrapped around her and as she lay her head on his chest. As always, a tingling sense of warmth came over her as she felt his heartbeat. She often wondered if he ever felt hers and thought the same way as she did.

A long silence followed as she gazed at him and he, at his fingers, as they gently caressed her hands.