Sweetest Taboo

pon us. All malevolent

assware shattering, could have roused the dead from their slumber. I had no doubt that the delicate fl

sustain me during my impending absence from home, was ready for the journey. I conducted a final scan of my ro

quarrels, the reckless flinging of dangerous objects, and the venomous exchange of words had reached a point of unbeara

that neighbors would point at with accusatory fingers. It had become an inferno,

through violent means. I had wished countless times to vanish from their lives, believin

nd. Or perhaps it wasn't. When I turned sixteen, everything altered; it was as if some ma

oute. My backpack hung securely from my shoulder as I traversed the garden, making every effort to move in ab

disheveled hair, perhaps to conce

oned on the balcony, peering intently in our direction, taking notes on what they could later use as gossip throughout the week. Meanwhile, others in the vicinity were preoccupie

to depart. In the distance, I could hear Roger, our faithful dog, emitting s

y, and using it would only draw attention. My destination was Helen's place, and I n

Usually, I would have to use a ride-hailing app to summon one, but now I found my

ination and then shifted my attention to th

t of the ocean or a beach, which instantly rekindled my fondness for coastal landscapes and left me yearning for a seaside excursion. The fragrance was a delightful combination of citrus and seaweed, presenting a distinct

the suburban neighborhood. After approximately twenty minutes, we arrived at Helen's residence. I se

h a beaming smile. I affectionately bent down and planted a gentle kiss

a part of their family, and I couldn't help but wish that

e she had headphones in place. As she caught sight of my unexpected arrival, she swiftly remov

fully assessed my appearance,

xhaustion and flopping onto her be

e me. "Why didn't you call me? I co

u did. But this time, I want y

cism. "They most likely know you're he

ing for more than a week so it would finally sink

ands interlocked behind her head, while I la

e you can run, sweetheart. Besides, you're not leavin

good thing I've got you, because now... we can get down to

You won't have to explain why you're spending the night away," I mused. Helen

ce. "Oh gosh, I'm still so nervous.

ve a refresher course on kissing?" S

h and untouched today. Only he can kiss them," I replied

me. "Absolutely! Kissing isn't the hard part. The real challenge is when hi

outh with my hand. "You're making it sound li

laugh and settled

rthday. Even though we were born just a month apart, we celebrat