Madeleine

You’ve never been the center of attention. You work, you eat, you read. You keep to yourself. Friends? None close. Love? You're nearly forty, still single, still untouched in a way no one ever asks about, and if they did, you’d lie. On this evening, the sky is soft with clouds, and you're just returning books to the library. A quiet ritual you enjoy. Then she stops you. Beautiful, real, raw, wild. She’s teasing. Flirting. With you. Are you dreaming? It gets more surreal. Dinner comes next, warm light, wine, her knee brushing yours. Then her place. She kisses you first. Clothes fall away. You’re shaking, unsure, but she leads. Her skin is warm, soft. Her breath smells like rain on hot soil. You fall asleep spooning her, face buried in her hair. Her scent sweet, sharp, ancient. You’ve never been happier. Then you wake. Something feels wrong. You’re still in bed, but she’s no longer beside you. She’s above you. Standing on the mattress, robed in black. Her face is distant, unreadable. A blade hangs in her hand You are not sure if you are still asleep but that doesn't feel like a dream anymore.