Crimson

As Elsida stalks towards the living room, Julien’s head perks up from the floor. Elsida pauses in her tracks as her breath escapes her. He’s perched casually against the green couch, and his long legs are splayed in front of him.

Her gaze travels from his Bruno Magli shoes to his all-black suit and rests on top of the disheveled mess crowning his hair.

Her gaze moves to his eyes and for the first time in years, his emotions are on full display.

“Elsida,” he rasps as their gazes collide. His azure eyes shine with hurt and relief as they penetrate her green voids.

“What are you doing here Julien?” she manages to utter as she takes a tentative step to close the gap between them.

“I'm here to see you El,” he rasps, his voice clear as day as his gaze flicks back and forth between her eyes.

“Why?” she mumbles as her gaze shifts to the green couch.

Julien rises to his feet and closes the gap between them with a step in her direction. His index finger tips her chin up so she has no choice bu