PAIN

Affection was a feeling  that didn't come to her naturally. But right now, sitting on the bed, she had no problem in staring up at him affectionately. He was dressing up, slowly, as if trying to prolong it as much as possible, so that he could stay with her longer. She knew that was exactly what he was trying to do.  And she loved him for that. He was gazing at her as well, as if trying to take in every single detail of her and commit them to his memory. She was looking no less than a goddess, sitting elegantly on the bed, her legs covered by the blanket they had been sharing just moments ago. Her hair tangled yet beautiful, spilling over her shoulders in a black curtain, touching the curve of her waist. She was wearing one of his shirts, hanging loosely from her shoulders. She was perfect.
'I have to go now,' he said with just a touch of annoyance. 'It's okay. You must, Michael,' she replied. That made him smile. The fact that she was using his real name, not the one the other customers called him with, made her sound genuine. Then again, she was no customer. He didn't do it for money. She was special. He didn't see the accusing look in her eyes; never heard himself being referred to by his profession in her presence.  He leaned forward and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. 'Everything will be fine. I'll keep praying. Just stay strong,' he said before leaving.
Now that he was gone, she slumped back on the bed. She tried playing back all the memories of him in her mind, but the momentary respite from her troubles was already fleeing. Instead of happy memories, her mind kept going back to the divorce papers which were lying on the coffee table back in her apartment.  The face of her beautiful daughter kept swimming in front of her eyes.  Losing the custody of her only child was something which tore her soul apart. In her weakest moments, when she came face to face with the truth, when her life was falling apart, she ran to Michael, seeking refuge in the warmth of his body; eyes filled with love; the care and affection she craved. But now he was gone, and she was once again left to the merciless hands of the present, which tormented her everyday. So she closed her eyes, took a shaky breath and prepared herself for the pain that would soon come upon her, numbing her body and mind, and make her miserable once again. She stifled a cry. The pain had already begun.