Phoenix
Part 18: The Moment of Love
Albatross walks back to the house. He slowly opens the door, carefully, as if afraid of how Phoenix might react. He steps inside and heads toward the living room… but what he sees makes his breath catch for a moment.
Phoenix is listening to music loudly through her headphones. Following the rhythm, she dances softly and lightly in the kitchen, her back to Albatross.
Her movements are natural, gentle… as if she were floating in another world.
Albatross stops in the doorway.
A slow, deep, sincere smile appears on his face.
He doesn’t laugh—he simply admires her.
His gaze is filled with tenderness… as if he can’t believe his eyes.
Phoenix suddenly turns around, carried by the momentum of the movement. That’s when she sees Albatross.
She gets startled, almost cries out.
Phoenix:
“Jesus, Albatross! When did you come in?! You scared me!”
She takes out the headphones, blushes deeply, fiddling with her hair as if trying to hide her embarrassment.
Albatross slowly shakes his head, still smiling.
Albatross (softly):
“Just now… and I’m sorry… I just… it was very beautiful. The way you were dancing.”
An even deeper blush appears on Phoenix’s face, like a child caught doing something secret, innocent, yet very personal.
Phoenix:
“I… I was just… listening to music. I wasn’t really dancing.”
Albatross steps closer.
Albatross:
“Yes, you were. And it was beautiful.”
The silence fills with heat. Phoenix lowers her gaze, then suddenly looks away and hurries to the kitchen counter to distract herself.
Phoenix:
“Is your car ready, Albatross?”
Albatross takes a deep breath. Guilt and hope mix inside him.
Albatross:
“In two days… it needs a part. Until then I’ll look for a hotel. I don’t want to disturb you.”
Phoenix’s eyes widen, as if something immediately aches inside her.
Phoenix:
“Don’t go to a hotel… dear. If you want, you can stay with me until your car is ready.”
Albatross smiles gently, deeply moved.
Albatross:
“Are you sure about this, Phoenix? I don’t want to be a burden.”
Phoenix:
“It’s not a problem. At least I won’t have to cook… and you prepare the attention more delicately.”
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