Running in circles

Giovanni is smoking a cigarette in silence. Eleonor is lying on his chest, with her legs wrapped around him. An intimate moment so rare that it wouldn't happen if they weren't both simply too tired. The sun has long since set, and the soft spring breeze coming in through the open balcony doors is refreshing to the bodies that are still slightly sweaty.

“You know… I haven’t been in this house for two years.” He finally breaks the silence, letting out the smoke through his nose. “I don't like being here.”

Two years? … I wonder if Giovanni was in Denver at the time of the wedding. The thought makes her uncomfortable, but she tries to push it away.

“You were right… this used to be Charlotte's home.” He feels old memories flood his mind as he stares at the ceiling, thoughtfully. “Being here is like torture.”

Eleonor closes her eyes, trying not to be shaken by those words. “Why are you here then?”

“Because you are.” He brings the cigarette to his lips again to take a drag. His other han