As soon as I stepped into our apartment and closed the door behind me, I could feel that something wasn't right. At this point in the afternoon, you're usually either watching TV in our bedroom or, depending on your mood, you'll come greet me at the door.
Quickly, I slip out of my sneakers right at the door and put my backpack down on the floor beside them. The apartment lies perfectly still, as if nobody's home.
The door of our bedroom is ajar as I walk towards it. Slowly, I push it open and peek inside. The curtains are shut, and the lights are off, giving the room a gloomy atmosphere.
I enter the room and close the door behind me, before taking a step towards our bed. You're lying in it, wearing an oversized T-shirt and baggy sweatpants. Your hair looks unkempt, and your face is buried deep in your pillow. You don't acknowledge my presence, but a slight movement of yours hints that you've taken notice of me.
"Honey?"
I ask in a whispering tone.
A quiet, sad sigh, is the only answer I receive from you, lying there in the twilight of our bedroom.
Carefully, I approach our bed, take off my hoodie and throw it on the floor besides it before lying down behind you in shirt and jeans. I briefly pause to give you time to react before wrapping my arms around your upper body. Staying silent, you snuggle up against my forearms, as I drag myself closer to you.
To greet you properly, I nuzzle the back of your head with the tip of my nose, gently breathing down your neck, until its little hairs stand up.
You mewl disapprovingly and turn yourself around, giving me a sad look before pushing your forehead against my torso.
"Oh no, did you have a bad day?"
I ask concerned.
You nod and bury your face in my chest while I pet your head.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
I ask gently.
But you shake your head energetically.
"My poor girl,"
I whisper compassionately and breath a kiss on your forehead.
It's gut-wrenching to see you like this, but I know that you don't like it if I get too nosey. You'll talk about what bothers you when you're ready. Nevertheless, I wonder if there's something I can do to cheer you up.
"Can I do something nice for you? Maybe a massage?"
I ask as you lift your head up briefly to look at me.
You shrug your shoulders apathetically, but I manage to glimpse the hint of a smile flashing over your pretty lips before you lower your head again. I thought as much.
"I think you've earned yourself a little relaxation,"
I whisper with a smile and sit up on my knees.
You do not seem to be very motivated yet, as pull you up by the hands until you sit in front of me with crossed legs. I scoot closer until we sit front to back and straighten your stooped back. You let out a displeased grumble, to which I answer with an encouraging kiss on your cheek.
With great care, I let my fingers run over your neck, down to your shoulders. Holding them tight, I place a kiss on the back of your head to sooth you. Gingerly, I begin to massage you, focussing on your shoulder blades and the area around your clavicle at first.
You do feel quite tense indeed. Carefully, using two fingers per hand, I start to apply a tiny bit more pressure on your lower neck. You utter a contended hum as I begin working on your shoulder joints.
However, it seems a little impersonal to massage you without touching your skin directly, don't you think? I turn your upper body around a smidge, just far enough for me to kiss your forehead before lowering my lips down to your ear.
"This would feel much better if you weren't wearing a shirt. Mind if I free you of it?"
I ask teasingly while playing with a lock of your hair.
You seem to ponder my barely disguised advances, looking undecided for just a moment, before you nod, presenting me a complaisant smile.
Without losing another word, I skitter in front of you, take off your shirt and throw it on the other half of the bed. After briefly marvelling at your beauty, I kiss your naked chest right between your boobs and give you a hug.
Considering your previously displayed lack of enthusiasm, it surprises me how tightly you hug me back, pressing your naked upper body against mine strenuously. I attempt to comfort you by softly brushing over your exposed back with my fingertips. It appears to work, as you lighten your grasp somewhat.
I have to struggle a bit to free myself from your clutch but manage to break free eventually. You seem disappointed as I bow down and give your tummy a sneaky smooch before standing up.
"I'll be right back,"
I reassure you and throw a kiss your way.
Quickly, I get what I need from the bathroom: a soft beach towel and a bottle of massage oil. As I return to the bedroom, you, sitting on the edge of the bed, follow my movements curiously.
I unfold the towel and place it on the mattress to avoid stains and put the bottle down next to it. With a sweeping gesture I make you scoot over onto the towel, where you sit down looking at me expectantly.
"Lie down on your tummy for me,"
I order smiling softly. Eager to get pampered, you follow without hesitation.
After crawling over the mattress towards you, I mount myself comfortably on top of your pretty butt with open legs, shifting most of my weight on my knees resting on the mattress as I take the bottle and screw it open. The faint aroma of jasmine starts to spread throughout the room, and I take a deep whiff before turning my attention to you.
Slowly, I let one hand wander over your unclothed back before I turn the open bottle upside down. Following a light squeeze, a thin trickle of fragrant oil begins to drip on your bare back. I swivel the bottle over your upper body, following your spine from below your neck down to your pelvis, until your entire back has been drizzled. You shudder with anticipation as I close the bottle and put it aside.
