.

The buzz of cidades brings a sound to the summer’s heat. The late afternoon heat shines down on where you lay on the hardwood floor next to me. My legs draped softly over your back as I stare up at the ceiling. Your elbows propped under you as you turn the page of your book. Thin beads of sweat collect themselves at the nape of my neck as I contemplate the comfortable stillness.

“I love you.”

The warmth in the air is reflected in your eyes as you glance away from your book to meet mine. The ghost of a smile crosses your face as you open it to say a simple, “alright.” 

You roll your head away from me and flip another page. My gaze lingers on you for one moment longer before returning to the ceiling above us.

“...I just wanted you to know.”