Her kisses burned like the sun, leaving searing marks in their wake. The heat was a welcome comfort now, warming my body like that familiar celestial orb, but I knew that tomorrow would be different.
The burn left by her mouth started red but would quickly fade to the blues and browns more often associated with anger and hurt. There was pain here too, in the sting of her teeth and the bite of her words.
"If anyone asks, lie."
"My father would kill us both if he knew."
"I love you too, but-"
I treasured the signs she left on my body, reassuring myself in the mirror hourly that I hadn't imagined the fire between us, that I wasn't burning up for no reason, that what we had was real.
Real.
What is reality when I can't discuss it with my best friends? When I can't tell my family?
The ache of missing her digs at me. The thought of her sends flames racing across my skin.
I can't take it.
I go to her house.
"What are you doing here?"
The words sputter out of me, dripping like lava from my lips, but the only one burning is me.
A commotion behind her; she turns away.
"Sorry, Dad. She was just leaving."
My veins run cold.
My fire is out.
I never speak to her again.
