2 #A Glimpse from Past

The place that once was my rapture, time made it my agony. The memories that were once filled with joy and bliss now haunt me, as time has transformed them into a source of pain and sorrow. The vibrant colors that used to paint my world have faded, leaving behind a desolate landscape of heartache and longing.

Every corner, everywhere my eyes land, reminds me of the past. This place was nothing but a house we bought made with bricks and wood. With time, we made it our home.

The house that always made me smile in the past—the same place—is making my heart hurt, nauseating me, and reminding me of people I lost. I couldn’t stay here, not now, so I ran, moving my legs as fast as possible, stressing the limitations of my body.

I ran from the past—my life, my grief—wanting to leave everything behind and ran—just ran—fast—until my vision turned blurred, with my knees jelly. With everything turning dark,

"Sleepyhead, wake up. I heard a familiar voice as a pair of lips touched my temple.

I opened my eyes, coming face-to-face with a half-naked man with his hip wrapped in a towel and the rest displayed for my pleasure. My eyes scanned the figure in front of me, top to bottom, from his muscular arms, which flexed as he was drying his hair, to his torso, packed with abs.

A few beads of water seep from his chest to his abs to his navel, slowly but sensually to the part covered beneath the towel, hidden as he is drying his wet brown hair with a towel in his hand. His chiseled jawline and piercing eyes captivated me, adding to the allure of his sculpted physique. As he turned towards me, a mischievous smile played on his lips, revealing a hint of confidence that made my heart race.

"Like anything you see,"

I smirked at his words, not ashamed of him catching me red-handed as I pulled his hand, making him stumble on top of my body and into the bed, arms wrapped around his waist. "Everything," I said, kissing him furiously. Jared seemed surprised for a few moments by my impromptu kiss. Although his hands shifted to possess my body as the kiss deepened further, it ended as impromptu as it started.

"Jane, I have to go," Jared said, leaving me with a tender peck on my lips.

I groaned in disapproval, not wanting him to leave. "Jared, you cannot leave in the middle like this. Finish what you’ve started."

Jared beamed at my words. "Jane, you’re a horn dog sometimes."

"Only for you,"

"That, I know... but right now. I have to go," Jared said as he was battling to knot his tie. "And trust me, I’m no fool to leave my beautiful fiancé at home to watch a bunch of old guys in suits talking."

Fine," I sighed. "But come soon."

Jared nodded. "Can you help me?"

I smiled, moving from the bed and in front of him. It’s Jared’s daily request. He will battle, trying the best he can, but then he will ask for my help.

"Why don’t you learn to knot it? Maybe then you don’t have to ask for my help each time or skip wearing it. You look good either way. I said, pulling him close to me.

Jared leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on my hair before grasping my hips with his hands, leaving no space between our bodies. "Why, learn? I have my beautiful woman do it for me, and it too comes with some advantages, like... he paused, kissing my lips.

I chuckled. Although I complain every time, I enjoy these little sentiments and moments together.

"Done. Now slowly turn 360 degrees.

Jared looked puzzled by my words. "Why?"

"Well… I want to admire the beauty in front of me."

"You act wicked sometimes, you know," he uttered, but obliged anyway. I can’t lie how good he looks in this three-piece black fitted suit with a royal blue tie.

I started biting my lower lips unintentionally as my eyes settled on him. Jared peered at me with a gleam in his eyes.

"What? Why are you looking at me like this? I asked.

"Nothing; I was thinking of running late for work today," he responded, unbuttoning his jacket and loosening his tie fast, with a devilish smirk on his face as he carried me in his arms and onto the bed.

"Jared, aren’t you running late?" I asked in between his urgent kisses. Jared paused for a moment, his lips lingering against mine. "Work can wait," he whispered, his voice filled with desire. With that, we both surrendered to the passion that consumed us, forgetting about the ticking clock and the outside world. "But can I leave my love unhappy alone? Can I?" Jared said. I shook my head with a smirk on my lips in answer before I started kissing him back. As our passion intensified, time seemed to slip away, forgotten in the heat of the moment. We both knew that consequences could wait; for now, all that mattered was being lost in each other's embrace.

I sighed happily as the kiss deepened, with my hands wrapping around his back and sliding under his shirt, embracing the closeness of our bodies. Everything around fades in a moment, as these were the ones you loved and loved you back. The feeling of his warm lips against mine was intoxicating, and I couldn't help but lose myself in the moment. Time seemed to stand still as we continued to explore each other's passions, our bodies becoming one. In that instant, all worries and responsibilities melted away, leaving only the pure bliss of our connection.

Nothing lasts forever, not even happiness. The sweet, cherishing kisses ended. The warm, mobile body lying on me is now cold and immobilized. Eyes closed, face pale with no pulse, heartbeat, or breathing; no sign of life is present, as if dead. Every attempt to shake, call, or even slap doesn’t make a difference in the state. The room is filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of my own desperate sobs. Panic sets in as I realize that the person I loved so deeply is gone, leaving behind an emptiness that feels impossible to fill. With tears streaming from my eyes and my heart aching, I shouted his name, hoping for some miracle. But there is no response—only the echo of my own voice bouncing off the walls. The reality sinks in, and I collapse to the floor, overwhelmed by grief and a profound sense of loss. "Jared," I said loudly. "Jared, Jared, Jared,"