Sophia gently grasped my hand and led me into my new residence: our home. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but smile as I recalled my earlier thoughts about her during dinner: simple and elegant. The naked walls and bare essentials confirmed the theme yet again. Was there room for me in this tiny house? I didn’t have much, but how could I live here without disrupting the flow? That was a thought for some other time because she stole my attention as she emerged from the bedroom, dressed for bed, beckoning for me to join her in the dimly lit room. I followed cautiously, minding my desires and not wanting to presume anything. She slipped under the covers, so I spun into my PJs and nestled beside her.
“Hold me,” she whispered softly.
I obeyed and refused to let go. How symbolic. The first time we hung out, I refused to hug her because I knew if I ever got her in my arms, I’d never let go. And now, there I was, laying there with her in my arms, promising I’d never let her go again. At that moment, I had everything I needed and fell asleep content and satisfied, experiencing the most restful sleep in a while.
In the morning, I woke up, and she was gone. I got a chuckle out of thinking about how she escaped the vice grip I had her in while managing not to wake me. That took talent. I checked my messages, hoping to find one from her but not intentionally looking for one. I knew she went to work, but I just loved hearing from her. Sure enough, a message had arrived two hours prior stating she had left for work, would return around 3:00, and that I should make myself at home. Not that I expected anything different, but I loved how eager she was to make me feel welcome. I replied saying I’d go home to get some stuff but would be back before she got home.
With that out of the way, I surveyed my new home to gauge its vibe and figure out how we can merge our lives in this cramped space. Despite being the most decorated room, the bedroom still fell in line with the minimalist theme. At least it had curtains. The patio door left us exposed, but the massive boulders behind the house shielded us against potential peepers. Anyone who was desperate enough to climb up there to see us deserved a show.
She didn’t have many clothes, so I could put a few items on the racks. The empty nightstand was a perfect place for toiletries and small personal items. She used the second room as her office. Despite its limited space, it had the best potential to not only put some of my things but to create a space that was ours.
I’d already seen the living/dining/kitchen space, but now I could get a good look at it. The kitchen was perfect. Almost too perfect, as if it never got used. I guess she was right about not cooking much. The idea of cooking for her regularly excited me. I wanted to take care of her without disrupting her autonomy, and that was the perfect way to do it.
After my self-guided tour, I took a shower and was glad to see her bathroom was nicer than the ones at Dad’s house. Once I was ready, I headed to San Sequoia to break this crazy news to him. He was watching TV and smirking at me when I walked through the door.
“Another night of fun?” he joked.
“Yes, but not how you think.”
“Ohhh. Well, that sounds promising.”
“Uhhh…yeah, maybe…”
His eyes were laser locked on me, blinking rapidly and waiting for clarification.
“Okay, so… This is gonna sound really crazy, and you might be disappointed, but here goes… I kinda agreed to move in with Sophia.”
“Dad? What do you think?”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Honestly? I don’t really know. But what I do know is I’ve been too afraid to take risks. I feel like I can’t grow as a man being afraid of what might happen. Plus, I really really like her.”
Dad grinned from ear to ear.
“I think you more than like her. I’m so proud of you. That’s a very big thing you’ve realized about yourself. It takes maturity to get there. You’ve always been thoughtful and have good judgement, so if this is something you feel you need to do, I support it. I’m happy for you.”
That went waaaaaay better than I imagined. Dad wasn’t someone who got upset much, but I imagined him being triggered by his own experience and being dead-set against it.
“So…I guess you’re here to get your things, then?” he asked.
“Just the essentials. Her house is super tiny. Like…Copperdale tiny.”
“Oh. Yikes. You gonna be alright with that?”
I shrugged.
“I guess we’ll see.”
“Alright. Well, don’t let me keep you.”
“Hey, Dad? Thank you…for everything. I don’t think I could have made it here without your guidance.”
He nodded.
“That’s the job, son.”
“I know, but… I don’t know. You’ve been, like, really cool about it. You make sharing things really easy. I’ve enjoyed being here with you. I mean…I knew I needed you when I decided to move in with you, but I didn’t know how much. And I… Well, forget it. I don’t really know what I’m trying to say, heh.”
“Come here,” he said and stood. “I love you. You’re always welcome here. You and Sophia.”
“Thanks, Dad… Oh, and if you tell Mama about any of this, The Book of Luca will be closed. I know you two still talk about me.”
He laughed.
“My lips are sealed.”
