THE FIRST FACETIME

As I dropped her off, a wave of sorrow swept over me, an ache that came with the realization that our day together was winding down. Watching her father approach to take her home felt like watching a sunset, beautiful yet tinged with the bittersweetness of an ending. I longed for just a little more time, for one more shared laugh or lingering glance that could stretch the moment into something timeless. After she slipped into the car with her dad, I inhaled deeply, trying to suppress the emptiness that settled in my chest like an unwelcome guest.

Once I got into my car, the roar of the engine seemed to amplify my hunger, a reminder that I hadn't eaten since morning. I quickly pulled out my phone, seeking a nearby Drunken Monkey store in her city, my mind momentarily wandering back to the boiled eggs I'd packed just in case she got hungry. She hadn't asked for a single bite during our time together, which felt both sweet and haunting.

Hunger gnawed at me as I feasted on my last boiled egg, savoring its simple delight. Closing the container, I set my sights on Drunken Monkey, eager for a taste of something more vibrant. When I arrived, I ordered two smoothies, indulging in my favorite tropical blend of mango and passionfruit. With each sip, the cool, refreshing flavors washed over me, and I felt a flicker of joy rekindle in my heart, easing the sorrow of parting.

The journey back home felt longer than usual, the emptiness of my house palpable as I parked the car in the garage. After opening the door to my quiet abode, I was met with the familiar silence that echoed loneliness. Exhausted, I made my way to my room, letting the steam of a hot shower wash away the heaviness of the day. I slipped into my favorite shorts, feeling a sense of comfort wrap around me.

Collapsing onto my bed, I drifted off to sleep, only to be jolted awake a few hours later by the sound of my phone ringing. My heart raced as I saw her name light up the screen. Groggy but ecstatic, I answered, my voice thick with sleep, "Hello?"

Her voice sparkled through the phone, bubbling with excitement as she asked if we could FaceTime that evening. My heart took flight at the thought; it felt like a spark igniting in the darkness. We settled on 9 p.m. for our call, and I couldn't help but plan the moment in my mind.

Determined to be ready, I showered again, dressing in a fitted vest and fresh shorts, feeling more alive and put together. While I awaited our call, I delved into our shared Google Photos album, a treasure trove of memories that filled me with warmth. I smiled at her childhood pictures, each snapshot a reminder of her laughter and innocence. Some of the silly faces she'd made made me giggle, and I felt a sweet pang of affection for the girl who had grown into such a beautiful woman.

As the clock inched closer to 9 p.m., my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and hope. Finally, her face lit up my screen, and I turned off the lights in my room, creating an intimate atmosphere as I settled into bed, ready to embrace the moment.

When she appeared, my breath caught, her beauty ethereal as she lounged comfortably, a radiant smile illuminating her face. My gaze was irresistibly drawn to a delicate beauty spot just below her neck, something I had never seen before, and it left me utterly mesmerized. As she spoke, her voice like music, I found myself lost in her allure, the world outside fading away. In that sacred space between us, laughter fluttered like soft wings, and for that fleeting moment, everything felt perfectly aligned, as if destiny itself had conspired to bring us together through the magic of a screen.She caught me watching her at that captivating beauty spot, her playful smirk making my heart race. I couldn't help but tell her how cute she looked, and her giggle echoed in my mind, a sweet melody that seemed to fill the room. As she playfully removed her hands, my gaze drifted not to the spot she had hidden, but to her lips—the soft, inviting lips I had kissed just that morning, the very lips I had playfully bitten. They were perfection.

As she spoke, my attention was drawn to a small scar on her lip, a tiny reminder of our passionate kisses. I recalled the long nights we spent talking until dawn, and how, as she drifted into sleep, I couldn't bear to hang up the call. I watched her peacefully, her cute face and chubby cheeks glowing in the moonlight, completely unaware of my gaze.

When morning arrived, she opened her eyes and found me still there, lost in the beauty of her slumber. With a mix of excitement and sleepiness, she teased, "You're crazy for staying awake all night!" I smiled, replying, "It was worth it just to watch my cute little panda sleep."

As I yawned, she giggled, "Oh, someone's a bit sleepy now, watching their favorite panda." With that playful tone, she declared, "Now I'll let you sleep," and hung up the call. Collapsing on my bed, I couldn't shake the warmth of her laughter and the whispers of our shared moments, feeling grateful for every second I got to spend with her.