mariposas

XV

i met you in the forest today

our usual spot

we laid on the ground and pointed out shapes in the clouds

you joked about congratulating pepa on her work later

i laughed

we bathed in the sunlight

i was drifting off when i felt you grab my hand

i turn to see you looking at me

"you like mariposas, right?"

i nod

you then turn on your side

when you turn back over, you're cradling something in your hands

"tadaaa!" you open your hands, and resting on your palm is a golden butterfly

una mariposa dorada

i hold out my finger

so it can hop on

i admire the butterfly

its beauty unmatched

i could feel your gaze on me

"what?" i giggle out

you chuckle

"it's nothing"

i turn to look at you

"it's something. tell me!"

you pause, and then grab my hand once more

"these butterflies led us to each other, y'know?"

i've heard this before

"bruno..."

i try to speak, but no words come out

you speak for me

"i know butterflies are solitary creatures but..."

"but we can change that"

it wasn't a dream this time.