Beatrice felt comfortable here, despite the noise, the sultry warmth of the cafe. It was too close for her, lively and vibrant to the point of distraction but Ava liked it. โPecado Alegreโ had become โtheir spotโ when they returned to Madrid. Ava had stared at the cafeโs name, bemused, grabbed Beatriceโs wrist with a suddeness that nearly sent her off balance and dragged them both through the smoky afternoon gloom within.
Today is that โspecialโ day when grief & the familiar are hesitant lovers. The sweet sting of longing in her chest swirled and danced with the bitterness of espresso on her tongue. Beatrice tried not to stare past happy couples, tried to drown out bright, sparkling laughter, love everywhere taunting. The missing part of a pair who suffered it allโฆtogetherโฆand yet.
If only, if onlyโฆ
Book open, dog eared pages damp, well wornโฆand continues to wait.
Art: Simon LeClerc - https://www.instagram.com/bonjoursimonleclerc?igsh=cDZlMTY0OWV6cjk1




















