Irresistible

Photo by Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash.

My most recent assignment for the Bogotá Writers Group was to write 400 words in the second person based on the word “Irresistible.”

It was easy to resist her gaze the first time. A mere modicum of mutual recognition. Fleeting, really. There were too many people in the way, each hurrying along this way and that, their heads down, thumbing frantically at their screens.

You were walking quickly, too, past windows filled with so many other distractions. You weren’t looking for a new relationship. Not yet, not so soon after the last one had ended so badly.

The second time, though, was not easy. This time, your eyes had locked instantly and when they did you felt the fission of validation shoot down your spine.

You even blushed. It had been a long time since that had happened and you decided to let yourself enjoy it.

Over the next week you made it a point to pass by her window to see her. Some days she was engaged with others and did not see you. No matter.

Quietly you marvelled at the way she moved – her boundless energy, her easy grace. Still, you told yourself “Not yet.” Time had not healed your wounds.

On those days when she did see you you felt your heart lift as you had not felt it in months. You also heard a new question in your mind. “Not yet” had become “Why not?” The fear had lessened now.

One the eighth day you found the courage to approach her. Again your eyes locked and you felt the same flush of excitement and recognition. Unable to contain her excitement, she ran to the window with eyes bright and smiling.

When you held her the world opened with new promises of happiness renewed.

“I can see you already know each other,” the store clerk said. “Now, will you be needing a leash as well?”

Photo by Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash.