It was already dark when Asher finally came home.
Without a word, he walked towards his room, took off his shoes and lay down on the bed, his arms behind his head, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
He didn't have time to sigh.
Knock. Knock.
He straightened up immediately.
- Yes ?
The door opened slightly.
—It's… Miria.
He got up and took a few steps.
- Between.
She hesitated for a second before crossing the threshold. The door closed behind her with a discreet click. Miria remained standing, her hands clenched nervously in front of her.
"I… I'd like to talk to you," she said softly.
Asher nodded.
— I'm listening to you. I'm all ears.
She took a deep breath.
—Since you came into my life...
She looked up at him.
— Everything has become different. More alive. More… real.
He didn't answer, but didn't look away.
"For the first time," she continued, "I have someone who really understands me.
—Someone who is there for me.
—Someone for whom… I am a priority.
His voice shook slightly.
"And I think… I think I fell in love with you, Asher.
The world seemed to stop.
Asher stood frozen, unable to utter a single word.
"That… that's not reciprocal?" Miria asked, her throat tight.
- No ! Well… that's not it, he replied hurriedly.
"I…I just don't know what to say.
He ran a hand through his hair, nervous.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to you.
— Physically… but also because of who you are.
— Your character, your strength, your light.
He paused.
— But...
Miria lowered her head slightly.
—There is your first love.
— The one to whom you swore loyalty.
Asher looked away.
— Asher…
She approached him.
— I don't know her.
— But she's been gone for years.
She gently placed a hand on his arm.
—If she loved you as much as you loved her... do you really think she would want to see you refuse to be happy because of her?
He opened his mouth.
— Miria, I—
— Shh.
She put a finger to her lips.
—Give us a chance.
—Give yourself the chance to be happy.
Then, without waiting, she kissed him.
At first, Asher remained still.
Then, slowly, he responded.
The rest of the world disappeared.
They moved back to the bed, never breaking contact, their gestures hesitant but sincere, like two souls finally finding each other.