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She was mine, and I’d be damned if I didn’t do everything in my power to keep her safe, even if it meant vanishing from her life for good. I’d endure the agony of not seeing her face again, just to ensure she stayed safe and untouched.
For her well-being and happiness, I’d sacrifice my own desires. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I swallowed it anyway.
To stop my head from spinning, I grabbed her lips and kissed her like there was no tomorrow, consuming her every sigh.
I flipped her over, losing myself in her completely, showing her my obsession in the only way I knew how.
Chapter
Thirty-Two
“Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.”
? Haruki Murakami
Sofiya
Many, many years ago.
I looked at the black dress again and frowned.
The dress was all dark and plain, like the night sky without any stars.
It had scratchy stuff around the neck and sleeves that made my skin feel itchy.
It went down to my knees, and there were tiny buttons running all the way down the back, like little soldiers standing in a line.
“Papa, I don’t like it. I want to wear the pink one!”
He chuckled softly. “Angelochek, we’re going to church, so we have to wear black or brown. Besides, you can’t wear your Aurora costume. Father Pasha wouldn’t appreciate it.”
I crossed my arms defiantly and plopped down on my bed. “But you promised I could wear it whenever I wanted!”
He sighed and knelt down, gently holding my hands. “Sofiya, you’re only four years old. At your age, it’s important to learn to follow rules, even when we really want something. Sometimes, no matter how much we pray or hope for it, things won’t happen the way we want them to. That’s just a part of growing up and learning about life.”
I pouted, my lower lip trembling as I looked up at him with big, watery eyes. “But why, Papa? Aurora’s costume is so pretty, and I want to wear it to church. Why can’t I?”
I wanted to show it off to my friends.
He sighed again, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “Because church is a special place where we show respect and honor. We wear certain clothes to show that respect.”
I sniffled, not fully understanding but wanting desperately to make him see my point. “But it’s not fair, Papa. I don’t want to wear boring black or brown. I want to wear something beautiful, like Aurora’s costume.”
He smiled softly, his eyes twinkling with patience and love. “I know, Sofiya. You love your Aurora’s costume. How about this? After church, we can play dress-up together, and you can wear it then. Would you like that?”
My face lit up at the idea, my tears drying instantly. “Yes, Papa! I want to play dress-up with you!”
He hugged me tightly. “Good. Now let’s get ready for church, okay?”
I nodded eagerly, not fully understanding why Papa couldn’t see things my way, but I knew he loved me and wanted the best for me. The way his eyes softened when he looked at me made me feel warm inside, like everything would be okay as long as he was there.
Even when he said no to wearing Aurora’s costume to church, I knew it wasn’t because he didn’t care about what I wanted.
Papa always knew how to make things better.
His smile was like sunshine breaking through clouds, and his hugs were like wrapping up in a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
After Papa helped me into the black dress he had chosen, we descended the stairs together.
