Page 2 of Forbidden Knots

I nodded and turned away, hearing the door close as I sank onto the crisp white sheets of the bed.

Life had been testing me lately, and my dark thoughts were just the beginning of the storm that life had prepared for me.I knew I had to navigate through that storm and my flight wouldn't be smooth, but I had to land on solid ground.

For me.

Glancing down, I opened my suitcase, intending to change into something more suitable for summer. The rising temperature had already caused sweat drops on my face. I peeled off my purple hoodie and denim shorts, leaving them in a heap in the corner near the closet. Not even considering if anyone could see me through the window, I walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower.

The water cascaded over my skin, sending shivers down my spine and causing my hair to curl from the humidity.

Each stroke of shampoo felt harsh against my skin as the water remained cold, but I persevered, knowing that a refreshing wake-up shower was needed. After I finished, I took the neatly folded green towel Grandma had left on the washer and draped it around my body before returning to the bedroom.

As I approached the window, my gaze fell upon the white house across from us. Its stone facade was flanked by balconies adorned with two large pots ofOleander flowers.

I had always marveled at how such a beautiful flower could be so poisonous, yet it thrived throughout the town. Despite knowing its dangers, I still found myself drawn to it, perhaps even considering itmy favorite flower, though I had nothing else to hold dear.

Growing up, I had everything a child could want. My parents bought me whatever I desired, but they were so absorbed in their own lives that they often forgot about me. Despite having so much, there was nothing I cherished enough to call my favorite.

Except for the Oleander flower.

I kept it close to my heart, perhaps because of the childhood accident when my mom took me to the beach for the first time here inLa Maddalena, and I got accidentally poisonedby it. Luckily, there were no major consequences, but I vividly remember her stern warning that it was forbidden. Forbidden to touch, to hold, even to look at.

Maybe that's why I developed such a fondness for that flower; it was the one thing that wasoff-limitstome.

Lost in thoughts of the forbidden bloom, I noticed my neighbor. His back was turned towards me, oblivious to my presence. His broad back tapered down to a slender waist, clad in snug black jeans that accentuated his firm ass. Even without seeing his face, a shiver ran down my spine, and I found myself biting my lip involuntarily.

As he turned to the side, I caught a glimpse of his muscles and defined chest as he pulled a black shirt over his head, and then stepped out onto the balcony. My heart raced as he glanced in my direction, prompting me to quickly hide behind the wall, clad in nothing but a towel.

I peeked cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest. He smiled, sending my pulse into overdrive. I let out a sigh before daring to steal another glance, this time at his face.

He stood on the balcony, gazing out at the bay while smoking a cigarette. His dark brown hair, slightly curly at the top, was styled with a few strands falling across his forehead. A well-defined jawline framed by a beard, no more than a few days old, added to his rugged charm.

As he flicked the cigarette off the balcony and retreated inside, I noticed a woman embracing him before they disappeared into the bedroom.

With relief, I retreated from view and settled back onto the bed. Ensuring he hadn't seen me, I retrieved myBirkenstocksfrom my suitcase, preparing myself for a day at the beach.

I decided to wear my white dress, lovingly crafted by Grandma long ago, its lace detailing still intact.

Gazing at my reflection in the mirror, my skin pale and eager for some sun-kissed warmth, I braided my hair into a loose, single braid.

Stepping out of the bedroom, I found Grandma holding a glass of red wine and an old photo album, tears streaming down her face.

"She used to be so happy," she sniffed, her hand trembling as she caressed a photograph of my mom in her childhood.

Wordlessly, I sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Though I couldn't find the right words to console her, she seemed to understand that my presence was enough. Leaning her head against my shoulder, she wept, her tears leaving damp trails on my skin. But I didn't mind. I just wanted her to know that even though Mom hadn't always been happy, there had been moments of joy for her.

For all of us.

TWO

Shadow

We all hold dark pasts; some of us can say we survived to see the light, while others still live in darkness.

I know I do.

With all my sins and demons, I've made peace and accepted that my place is in theshadows.

After our parents died, I had to take care of my sister, Sophie. Despite her innocent appearance, she carries demons of her own. The spark that once lit her eyes as a child has long since dimmed, and I blame myself for it.

---