Without the motion of time, the night was beautiful. There was a crispness that couldn’t be experienced when the world constantly moved. After the girls sat for what would have been hours, sharing stories and staring into the dark, Felicidad got the sense that Idony would soon end it. With thoughts of time and motion pouring into her head, she moved around until her eyes were level with Idony’s. But she didn’t stare, instead pressing forward and sharing a kiss.

The stars sparkled. As time melted into the alley and the sky twinkled and spun and the sounds of the night invaded, Felicidad couldn’t be sure anything had happened at all. And yet, as they stood to leave, that one, brief, warm touch was all she wanted.