Heart Of A Destitute

TER

LI

e, but before I knew it, Michael b

about him drew me in, and I found mys

quaint little café nestled in

rm, with vintage furniture an

avorites. As we sat across from each other, sipping on o

inely curious. His work fascinated me, a stark cont

feeling through my chest. "It's not

making a place look beautiful. Plus, it

talking about our lives, our dreams, and our fears. The more I

ay of making me feel special, like I was

ent to museums, parks, and even a Broadway show. One

the most delicious food. We lay on the grass, looking up at th

me to a rooftop gar

ights strung up everywhere, flowers in full b

he said, pulling me cl

slow, tender kiss tha

d for a moment, all my worries melted aw

sometimes just talking, other times

n and sorrow that had plagued me for so long

tched from a distance as he skillfully mowed a

and waved, his face li

ow well-liked and respected he was. They all spoke hig

aid. "Always knows how to lighten t

ng people laugh, of turning even the m

infectious, and I found myself drawn t

trace the lines of his face with my fin

rled up into a smile – everything about him was perfect. I o

ng," he teased one ni

uard. "I can't help it.

o his arms. "Far from it.

more each day. He made me laugh, made me feel cherished and adore

ng a movie, or just sitting in comfortable sile

me. As we pulled up to my house, I leaned over and kissed

eplied, his eyes filled

de my heart stop. My stepbrother, James, was driving out of our dr

and doubts. What was Michael doing wi

f my mind. I needed answers, but I didn't know how t

time with him, hoping to find an opportunity to

ry piece, he wrapped his arms around me fr

think?" He

," I replied, l

ke this

vers down my spine. "I'm glad

James lingered. I couldn't shake the feeling that something w

me home. As we sat in the car, I turned to him, my heart

something you are not telling me?" I

ection and something else I couldn't quite place. "Jul

of him with James haunted me. My mind w

with my stepbrother? I needed answers, but

to ask James let alone b