212. The Words They Should Have SaidNova

I don’t know how long I stand there. In the living room, wondering whether I am still dreaming and hoping because Roman can't be in my house in Buruburu.

I close my eyes after handing him the glass of juice and then open them again.

He’s still there. In the middle of the living room.

Real.

Closer than he has been in eight years and yet, my heart is racing like I am about to lose him again.

“Nova…”

The way he says my name, soft, unsure, like he ...