I look at her.
I’m not sure which eye to focus on. Both together, they make my head hurt. Not a hurt like an alarm headache, but a sort of dizziness, like she’s hypnotizing me, controlling me somehow. Except I’m more in control than I’ve ever been. Also, I’m not.
Her eyes are steady, unafraid, curious. She sits on the ground, legs curled beneath her like she’s sprouted from the forest floor. Relaxed yet alert, her body is ready for anything, afraid of nothing. I am distinctly aware of her.
She is not beautiful like my Rajani. Not colorful and elfin. Not dangerous in that unpredictable way.
She is not delicate like Ami. Not gentle or timid. Not nurturing and tender.
And yet, there’s something about her.
I see her.
All this time, I’m sizing her up. She’s doing the same.
She sees me.
I decide to face it all. And I tell her everything.