66 • I Need Space

◇ MYKAELA ◇

The night was still. The soft glow of the yellow bedside lamp cast a warm, inviting atmosphere all over Lorenzio's bedroom. I preferred to study in his guest room where I could spend hours and hours reading in total peace and quiet. But tonight, I would stay in here until he fell asleep.

I wanted to keep an eye on him in case Rafa or Leandro called him again. I sat beside his desk, alone and surrounded by thick textbooks and my recent notes, consumed by the intricate details of my professor's chosen specialization this week. The rhythmic tick of the clock on the wall echoed in my ears as I stared at the paperbacks splayed before me.

For about four hours now, I'd been trying my best to concentrate and check off some items on my to-do list. But the other side of my brain kept distracting me, constantly imagining the impending storm that could sweep through my life in the next few weeks. Or months.

I wouldn't know for sure. As an adult, I only met Ilya once. I didn't know