Page 63 of Queen’s Gambit

E: I wish there was a simple answer to that question.

Y: I miss you, Eddie.

Reaching out, I grabbed a pillow and held it to my chest, wishing it was him.

E: I miss you, too. I stole one of your hoodies before they packed up your stuff and a few other things to keep them away from your father.

Y: You stole my hoodie?

E: Yeah, I put it on a pillow and hold it at night.

I laughed out loud.

E: I’m kidding about the pillow, but I do hold it. I can’t fall asleep without you.

Exhaustion mixed with despair and helplessness had finally gotten the upper hand as my tears flowed freely.

Y: Four months...all we got was four months.

E: We will have more. I know what I need to do, Ana. I’m never going to stop fighting for us.

Y: I won’t stop fighting either. I better go. But I’ll message you every day, and when I know it’s safe, I’ll call.

E: Anima mia, I feel your soul calling to me as mine weeps for you.

Y: Eddie?

E: Yes?

Y: If you ever decide you don’t want to be a mafia Don, I think you should become a poet.

E: LOL! Only if you’re my muse. Until you message me again, I love you. I’ll always love you.

My bottom lip trembled with the sob that was ready to burst free.

Y: I love you with my whole heart, now and forever.

One Year Later

Edmundo – Age Nineteen

Nauseous and nervous was a new combination for me. My knee bounced as I waited for Mr. Mikhailov to walk into his office. It didn’t help that I knew Ana was somewhere in the house. Her presence called to me, and there was nothing I wanted more than to see her.

The door opened, and I stood as Vadin entered. His expression was cold and indifferent, the hard lines of his face set and unmoving as he stared at me.

“Mr. Mikhailov, thank you for seeing me,” I said and held out my hand. He ignored the gesture and sat down at his desk.

“Edmundo, I am a man of my word. I agreed to let you plead your case for Yulianna, but do not mistake this as a sign that you’re forgiven.”

I shook my head and sat down.

“Do you have something to say to that?”

“I do. I’m not sure why you feel the need to punish me,” I said.

Unbuttoning my suit jacket, I sat back and glanced around the office. Not much had changed in nine years.

“Excuse me?” Vadin’s eyes narrowed.