Mariana unlocked the door with her fingerprint, her heart pounding like the first time she visited her boyfriend. The two-story house was silent, filled with the scent of freshly used floor cleaner. As soon as she set her suitcase down, she heard hurried footsteps coming down the stairs.
“You’re back, my love!” Ricardo exclaimed, hugging her as if he hadn’t seen her in a whole year. He squeezed her so tightly she almost lost her breath, and then he smiled broadly:
“Let’s go to the bedroom! I missed you so much!”
Mariana laughed, snuggling into his shoulder. The scent of his skin, his quickened breathing, the sparkle in his eyes: everything made her feel at peace. She nodded:
“Let me shower first.”
