Page 14 of The Diávolos: Part Two
“Yup!” I reply, popping thep.
The first part of the plan is to speak to my father. I might not be in the most ideal location right now, but I want to get started right away. I also don’t want to be alone, and having Gianis by my side eases my nerves.
I dial my father’s number; it takes a few long rings until he picks up.
“Kóri mou,” he answers.Daughter. “It’s about time.”
After the conversation with mybaba, Gianis and I part ways, and I make my way down to the subway to head back to my apartment. He offered to drive me, but I wanted some time to clear my head.
My father took my call better than expected. He expressed how happy he was that I'd reached out after a year. When I asked him why he never called, he simply said he was giving me space to figure out what I really wanted.
Knowing mybaba, his words came off a little suspicious. But for the sake of the plan, I went along with it.
I explained to him that I was finally willing to accept the culture of my family, but that I wasn’t ready to go back to Cebrene just yet.
He seemed happy with my decision and asked me to keep in touch. “Welcome to the family,”he said.
As if I wasn’t part of it before.
Shaking away those thoughts, I walk up to my front door and notice a small white package and a letter on the ground.
Balancing them both in one hand while I step inside, I don’t waste time opening the box.
It’s a small cheesecake with a ‘number one’ candle on the top.
When I unfold the letter, I recognize the handwriting immediately.
In shadows cast by memories, a year has come to pass,
A dance of time, a fleeting chance, a year away, alas.
The whispers of the winds recall the moments we used to share,
A chapter closed, a journey taken, in lands both near and rare.
Through the distance, our hearts beat in refrain,
The longing, a melody of sweetest pain.
A year away, a canvas painted with the hues of separation,
Yet in the palette of our souls, an undying dedication.
The moon, a witness to our dreams, the stars, our silent guide,
As time unfurls its tapestry, with love we'll still abide.
To our love that conquers miles, to promises unswayed,
Here’s to us, to you, my angel, who remains unafraid.
Though a year has slipped away, you’re still mine,
A celebration of endurance, but we’ll be back together in due time.
Shivers erupt on my skin, creating a tingling that runs down my arms.
Whenever I read Evander’s poems, it’s as if he’s speaking to my soul.
