127. Warmth and Familiarity.

Deangelo.

I woke up and saw the gentle sunlight streaming through the curtains. The dream I had just had slipped away, leaving me with a lingering feeling that something important had happened. I felt frustrated as I tried to remember the details, but they kept slipping away like puzzle pieces that didn't quite fit. I sat up in bed, the sheets gathered around me, and let my mind wander through the maze of my thoughts. Images flashed in my mind, like quick glimpses of a forgotten past, but they were elusive, slipping away before I could grasp them.

Sofia and I were busy getting ready for our wedding. She seemed eager to rush through the preparations, wanting everything to be done quickly. I understood that many women have a strong desire to be married, so I tried to be patient and supportive.

Sofia was filled with excitement and energy every day as she planned every aspect of our wedding. She wanted it to be perfect, and her enthusiasm rubbed off on me. Sometimes, I wished we could slow down and take our time, but I knew that Sofia wanted to see her dreams come true as soon as possible.

We met with wedding planners, visited different venues, and discussed catering options. Sofia was determined to make our wedding day unforgettable and she put a lot of effort into making sure everything was just right. Her dedication and love for me were evident in her unwavering commitment to creating a beautiful celebration.

Amidst all the busyness, I sometimes longed for a moment of reflection. I wanted to fully understand the significance of the commitment I was about to make, not just to Sofia but to the lifelong journey of marriage. But I knew that Sofia's excitement came from a deep place of love and anticipation, and I didn't want to dampen her spirits.

As I got out of bed, I noticed Elena leaving for her usual early morning run. There was an inexplicable urge inside me, urging me to join her. Feeling strong enough, I quickly put on my running shoes and decided to follow her. Elena seemed surprised to see me running alongside her. I raised my hand to show her that I meant no harm, and we continued running together in a comfortable silence, the sound of our footsteps blending with the peaceful morning stillness.

A sense of calm washed over me, embracing my whole being. It felt like all the worries and troubles that had filled my mind were momentarily lifted. The world appeared more vibrant, the air fresher, and the burdens of the past seemed lighter. Although the sky was still dimly lit, Elena didn't notice a rock in her path. Before I could react, she stumbled and fell. I instinctively reached out to steady her, my hands gently supporting her as she regained her balance.

As I held Elena in my arms, I felt a rush of warmth and familiarity. There was something about her that drew me in, and for a brief moment, all I could think about was kissing her. The suddenness of the thought startled me, causing me to let go of her, and she stumbled to the ground. Regret instantly filled my heart, and I hurried to her side, apologizing profusely.

Helping Elena up, I saw the pain etched on her face. It was clear that she had sprained her ankle and couldn't put any weight on it. Without hesitation, I picked her up, her small body fitting perfectly against my chest. As I carried her back to the house, I tried to lighten the mood by playfully teasing her about her newfound fragility.

Carrying her felt natural, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for me to support her, both physically and emotionally. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, I found comfort in being there for her in her moment of vulnerability.

When we reached the house, I gently placed her in a comfortable chair, making sure she was settled and at ease. I got some ice for her sprained ankle and helped her elevate it to reduce the swelling.

Throughout the process, we continued to banter, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity that couldn't be ignored. However, Sofia noticed us and her expression turned to anger and resentment. She wasted no time expressing her disapproval. "What are you doing, my love? You're still not fully recovered and shouldn't be carrying heavy things!" she scolded.

Her words cut through me, stirring up guilt for finding solace and enjoyment in the presence of another woman. "I'm sorry, Sofia. I just wanted to help Elena," I explained.

Feeling Sofia's disapproval weigh on me, I reluctantly let go of Elena, hoping to appease Sofia and ease her concerns. "Well, you need to be careful. We have a wedding to plan, remember?" she reminded me.

As she approached, her frustration evident, I took her in my arms and kissed her. It was a gesture meant to reassure her and reaffirm my commitment to our relationship. However, as our lips met, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness. The kiss lacked the spark, the genuine passion that should accompany such a moment. Deep down, I knew something was not right. Sofia pulled away, her anger momentarily subsided but still lingering in her eyes. "DeAngelo, you need to focus on your recovery," she admonished with concern. "You shouldn't be putting unnecessary strain on yourself. We have a wedding to plan, and I need you at your best."

Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the promises I had made and the commitments I had yet to fulfill. I nodded, suppressing the inner turmoil, and assured her, "You're right, Sofia. My health is crucial, and I won't let anything jeopardize our future together."

But as I spoke those words, a pang of guilt washed over me. I couldn't ignore the conflicting emotions that tugged at my heart. The connection I shared with Elena, the joy and ease we experienced in each other's presence, seemed to defy the plans and expectations laid out before me.