| 87 | Unwitting Accomplice

[ S E R A P H I N E ]

“Don't burn. Please. I need you to be perfect tonight. Absolutely perfect.” I let out a shaky breath and stir the pasta one more time as the white sauce I just made simmers in the pan. It's his favorite pasta. Homemade and fresh.

The pot on the other burner is still cooking the spicy sinigang — the pork and veggie stew Dominico made me swear I'll cook for him every week. The house is quiet like most evenings, but it's not eerie.

I prefer this. It's the complete opposite of the noisy campus dorms where I've spent the last couple of days. And nights. Because I thought some time apart will be good for us both.

“Yeah. Right.” I scoff at myself. Well, sure. Being away from him gave me enough "me time" to focus on my schoolwork this week, and it gave Dominico some space. A bit of privacy while dealing with the grief and stress.

But now I'm seriously doubting it's the long-term solution most of our relationship problems need. I already miss him. Badly. Way m