⊰ 20.5 | 1 ⊱ Beyond the Tattoos

⊰ Cade ⊱

The soft glow of Elysian’s apartment envelops us as we sit across from each other, the weight of our past hanging heavy in the air. I search her face, trying to reconcile the woman before me with the hazy memories that dance just out of reach.

Now, sitting here, looking at her, really looking at her, she looks different than I remember. Her features are more refined, her eyes holding a depth of pain and wisdom that wasn’t there before.

I can see it on her face, the desire to have a conversation but unsure of where to start. I clear my throat, searching her soft features. “Tell me something,” I say softly. “Besides how obviously beautiful and smart you are…what was it about you that made me fall in love with you?”

I watch as a flush creeps up her neck, coloring her cheeks a delicate pink. She clears her throat, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her cardigan before s