Chapter Thirteen
Aftercare
After several minutes, I went to the door of Carmen’s soundproof bedroom. I figured there was nothing I could say, but maybe it would help if I just held her. I didn’t try the doorknob, I just pressed her intercom.
“Go AWAY!”
“Carmen, you’ve done so many wonderful, loving things with me, I would like to do something for you.”
“What IS it?!”
“Just to hold you.”
Carmen was silent for fifteen seconds before the door buzzed. She rolled over, presenting her backside, and I lay down, spooning her and stroking her beautiful hair, whispering support and reassurance. We lay together like that for more than five minutes, Carmen sobbing the whole time until she opened her eyes and looked into mine.
“I want something different. This might be it.”
“Is this like after
