Greenland

10 | Rhythm

Audur's Point of View

Everyone's rhythm was broken.

They didn't show up,

Like they normally did.

Instead,

stalked off,

solemnly looking down.

Frowns permanently expressed,

Mine included.

We didn't deserve it.

We didn't deserve any of it.

None of it.

We loved him like a brother,

Luna fell in love with him.

But I had to be strong.

For Neru,

for Qivi,

for Luna.

For everyone.

Neru came home from work and called me over.

He didn't appear well.

The bags under his eyes were much too prominent.

Said he didn't sleep too good.

I just talked to keep him occupied.

To keep him busy.

He laughed,

half-heartedly.

Whenever I tried to make him smile.

But then he stared at me,

Lust burning through his chocolate eyes.

And I knew what he wanted,

Yet,

I was unsure I could give it.

He kissed me passionately.

His hands sending chicken skin down my arms.

His mouth attached to my neck.

I sucked in a sharp breath.

The weight of his upper body,

Supported by his forearms above my head.

My fingers tugged hard at his locks.

His touch explored my body.

He pulled my sweater over my head.

I didn't have the heart to protest.

Until he fumbled with his jeans.

I pulled back,

Out of breath.

"Neru,

I'm not ready."

Disappointment flashed through his demeanor.

But he understood,

Retracting away.

He hobbled to the bathroom,

Saying he had to cool off.

I knew what it meant.

Innocent or not.

I wasn't stupid.

I straightened up,

and scrambled on the floor,

Searching for my shirt.

He later appeared,

As I snuggled into his blankets.

His hair,

damp from his brief rinse in the shower.

He curled next me,

My head on his shoulder.

Our silence,

Speaking volumes.

He fiddled with the ends of my hair.

Nudging my legs underneath the blankets.

Listening to the beat of our hearts.

The rhythm.

Broken.