Tired, you leaned against the bars of the bakery, exhaustion pressing your shoulders towards the floor and making it difficult to stand up as you pulled your mobile phone out of your pocket.

It was late. Not as late as usual, you had taken the last two weeks to put in proper working hours for yourself. Still, you wished it hadn't been so late.

You reassured yourself one last time that the door was closed and then made your way home as quickly as you could.

Unlike the night you met Kyle again, it wasn't as cold and windy. It had become warm, pleasant enough to walk on the street without a jacket.

The smell of flowers in full bloom filled the neighbourhood. The trees had green crowns. Soon it would be warm enough to take the boys for a swim. A good opportunity to teach them before they went to school.

Besides, Matti's birthday was coming up. You would have to bake a cake, chocolate, because he was a little kid and loved anything made of chocolate. Preferably with a few smarties as decoration.

All of a sudden, a bitter flavour spread across your tongue. Goosebumps grew, caused by memories and dark premonitions.

You glanced at your mobile phone again, your footsteps echoing off the facades of the houses. There were only a few people around, all busy with their own lives. The display lit up, blinding you for a moment.

Your steps stumbled as the number you were looking for appeared. Your finger hovered over the display. But you couldn't bring yourself to call.

You would have preferred never to do it again, but you couldn't have everything you wanted. A sigh rolled from your lips.

"Later...", you mumbled and wanted to put the mobile phone back in your pocket.

But just at that moment, the light lit up and a call appeared. With a quick glance, you answered.

"Hey, you couldn't help but smile. I'm sorry, I'm late, I know."

At the other end of the line, the children were screaming. Their little feet shook the ground so much you could hear it.

You laughed. Someone cleared their throat.

"Sorry, I was trying to get them to bed.", Kyle sighed. "Are you going to be long?"

"No, I'm on my way. Did they keep you on your toes?"

He chuckled.

"Of course. Don't worry, nothing I can't handle, he was silent for a moment and thought. Have you eaten yet?

You took the shortcut through the park. Trees rustled.

Nope, you came out onto the road with quick steps.

Are you hungry?

Your stomach growled in reply. You laughed sheepishly.

Did you hear that? you asked, picking up your pace.

He huffed.

I'll take that as a yes, there was a sound like he was chasing someone. Hey, drop it! Elli! I'm serious. Sorry, I have to take care of the boys. See you soon.

Until right when you hung up, your heart was pounding like you were a complete idiot. Much too close. And inappropriate...

It wasn't far now, you could already see the roof. But in the last few metres, your steps faltered again and you had to stop to collect your thoughts. Nervously, you glanced over your shoulder.

No one had followed you, had they?

Your eyes wandered through the darkness, checking who was on the street to see if you recognised anyone. But it was all normal.

And yet.

You couldn't help but slow down as you walked towards the house, hoping no one would notice you go through the gate. You stopped once more in front of the door, keys in hand, and looked round one last time before hastily slipping into the house.

Your back pressed against the varnished wood. A sigh left your lips. Burying your face in your hands, you let yourself slide down the door and sighed again. Your shoulders slumped with exhaustion.

It took you a moment to gather enough strength to raise your eyes. Kyle stood in the kitchen, his hands braced on the counter and a worried expression on his face. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

You shook your head in defence.

"Nothing...", you wiped your face and took a deep breath. "Nothing... I'm just tired."

For a moment it seemed as if he wanted to ask, but held back and turned to reach for something instead.

"You must be hungry.", he put a plate down for you with a smile.

Your eyes lingered briefly on the food. It was still steaming and smelled deliciously of roasted vegetables, chicken and rice. Your stomach growled. But your appetite had disappeared.

"Thanks.", you smiled, but instead of taking a bite, you pulled out your mobile phone.

No messages. Somehow that only made you more nervous. An annoying affair was still better than an unwanted surprise.

But maybe it didn't happen this year. Maybe you were lucky this year.

Maybe.

Sighing, you put your mobile phone down on the kitchen counter, display facing downwards. When a message came, you didn't want to see it right away.

Tired, you poked at your food. Kyle noticed the depressed mood.

"You look like shit.", he remarked with a charming grin.

Your eyes lifted. But you couldn't manage a smile. Even if you wanted to. Just the fact that he was there, at that moment, made you happy.

"Thank you for being here.", you whispered.

He smiled in confusion, his eyebrows drawn together.

"Something happened?"

You shook your head and took your first bite.

"Not yet.", you hesitated. "How long... do you want to stay?"

His fingers tense up. He didn't seem happy with the question, avoiding your gaze.

"Quite a lot of time has passed, innit?", he sounded thoughtful.

"Two weeks.", you took another bite.

It was delicious. What you described as your baking talent, Kyle had as a chef. He made really good food. So good that the boys had started to eat their veggies without complaint. Mostly.

Silence grew between the two of you, making the air feel thick, like a canyon had opened up, cut you off from one another.

"You want me gone?", he swallowed hard.

"No.", you didn't hesitate a second to answer. "At this point... I'm scared to let you go. What if you won't come back this time?"

"To you?", he let out a huff, looked around flustered. "I'd always come back."