Whisper

63

I looked at the clock on my nightstand, as soon as I awoke.

4 a.m.

I smiled and rolled over slowly, putting out my arm to hold Evangeline.

But there was only blankets.

Evangeline was not in bed with me.

.

I whispered her name, but there was no response.

I lay in the darkness, for a few moments, anticipating the sound of the toilet flushing or perhaps her walking back into the bedroom, from outside.

Again, there was only silence.

.

I got out of bed and left the bedroom. I could see a faint light, from the living room.

As I entered, I saw her, standing in front of the living room window.

.

"Hey."

.

She turned, smiling.

.

I went to her and gave her a gentle kiss. She was wearing one of my housecoats and sipping on a glass of wine.

.

"Is something wrong?"

I feared the answer.

.

She shook her head, the smile never leaving her face.

"Not a thing."

She turned to me. I could now see that she had been crying.

.

"Then why the tears?"

.

She moved against me, putting one arm around my waist.

"Haven't you ever heard of tears of joy."

.

I laughed.

"Yea. I think I saw it in a movie once."

I put my arm around her and pulled her even closer.

"But now, every time I am near you, I know what they are talking about."

.

She passed me, her wine and I sipped it.

.

"I don't know what it is, Eva. I just feel this connection with you."

.

She laughed slightly, hugging my waist with both arms.

"Isn't that what every man says, after sleeping with a new woman?"

.

"I wouldn't know.

My black book is just a black sticky note."

.

She laughed a little harder.

"Oh my stars. That is one of the reasons why I like you so much.

That wonderful sense of humour."

.

"I use it to cover the excruciating fear that I have."

.

She let go my waist and looked up at me, taking the wine as she did.

"What are you afraid of?"