The next morning, Mikhail woke close to Solomon. He took in his best friend’s scent, never having forgotten it. He welcomed being with him again. He rested with eyes closed but awake. He thought of how much he loved Solomon and what fools they had been, but isn’t that what life is about? Getting through things and still being happy.
Solomon came awake and rolled over to face Mikhail. He placed a hand behind Mikhail’s head and pulled him close, kissing and holding it for a few seconds. “Good morning. I slept very well the whole night through. That’s a first in a long time. I’ve missed you so much, my friend.” After the kiss, he sniffed Mikhail’s hair. “You always smelled so wonderful, so masculine.”
Mikhail rested his head on Solomon’s chest. “I love you. Never stopped.”
“I was a fool.”
