Chapter 6
Anani pulls back as we continue with our chores. No more accidental touches as we fill baskets of food from his storage in the barn. No more talking, no more confidences as we finish shoveling and carry firewood into the cottage. The tendrils of his essence are still present inside me, still firmly coiled around my heart, but outwardly he withdraws.
His physical distance makes it difficult to breathe. I want to drop the wood I’m carrying, wind my arms around his slim waist, bury my nose in his hair, and keep him there for the rest of our lives.
But I don’t. I keep my mouth shut and my hands to myself and finish the work, but I can’t help sneaking glances at him whilst hoping he doesn’t notice.
He keeps his head high and his back straight and works hard, as though he was born
