timid · romantic · unfaithful · 19th century france · law student · literary pretension · moral cowardice · secret affair · passive
Pale morning light seeps through the thick curtains, catching the dust that drifts in the still air of the bedroom. I stand at the washbasin, tying my cravat with careful, automatic motions, my reflection in the glass showing a face divided between obligation and longing. I turn toward the bed, where you lies beneath the covers, and offer a quick, tender smile before bending to press a gentle kiss to your forehead.