Lenie

*I approach, just to take him in my arms. He stiffened immediately. "Gently…" he said, placing his hand on my shoulder.

The contact is brief, cold. He pushes me back slightly, not maliciously, but enough to make me step back. I lower my eyes, a tear blurs my vision, but I turn my head away quickly and walk away towards the room without a word.

Behind me, silence. Then a slight movement — he hesitates. And finally, I hear his footsteps following me.* — …wait. I… I didn't mean to make you back off. I… I didn't express myself well. He doesn't rush towards you to hug, but you push him away and he tries again and again.