Hespero

The Gift

As days went by, the duo became inseparable. From the first light to the last glimmer, they went to different places teasing, giggling, wisecracking, and even weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and vulnerabilities. And not to mention, helping Leonora find the words to express her infatuation towards Felip. In spite of Callisto being overwhelmed, bewildered by the labyrinthine complexities of their life, cherishes the prospect of spending each day with Leonora.

The sun warmed Callisto's face as he walked toward Leonora, but his gaze was snagged by a flash of light from the jeweler's window. An elegant necklace, shimmering behind the glass, held him captive. What a beauty, he thought.

Callisto, captivated by the necklace, found himself drawn into the hushed elegance of the jeweler's shop. The air hummed with a quiet intensity, a stark contrast to the usual boisterous energy he shared with Leonora. He approached the counter, his eyes still fixed on the shimmering piece. A kindly old woman with silver hair and warm eyes looked up from her work.

"Something I can help you with, young man?" she asked, her voice soft and welcoming.

Callisto hesitated, suddenly unsure of himself. He hadn't intended to buy anything; the necklace had simply caught his eye. But now, standing there, surrounded by gleaming gems, a different thought took root.

"Actually, yes," he said, his voice a little hesitant. "I… I'm looking for a gift. For a friend."

The jeweler smiled knowingly. "A special friend?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.

Callisto blushed, unable to deny the truth. "Yes," he admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. "A very special friend."

He described Leonora, not with flowery language, but with simple, heartfelt words. “I just found myself fond of her fiery spirit, her quiet kindness, her love for the stars. Not to mention… her emerald eyes, the way her auburn hair danced in the wind, the infectious laughter that could chase away any shadow. And I really enjoy her company, she just makes everyone feel safe and heard…” He didn't mention his own confusing feelings; instead, he focused on Leonora's unique qualities, her inner light.

The jeweler listened patiently, her gaze thoughtful. When he finished, she nodded slowly. "I think I know just the thing," she said, leading him to a display case. Inside, nestled among other exquisite pieces, was a delicate silver necklace. A single, perfectly formed star hung from a slender chain.

Callisto gasped. It was the necklace that he was looking through the window earlier. It wasn't flashy or extravagant; it was simple, elegant, and utterly perfect. It reminded him of Hespero, the star they had named together, a silent witness to their shared moments.

"It's… beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

"It's more than just beautiful, young man," the jeweler said softly. "It's a symbol. A symbol of hope, of guidance, of a bond that transcends time and space."

It was going to be Leonora’s birthday next week, and he was glad to come across the store. He was planning to give it to her next week. Callisto purchased the necklace, a sense of purpose settling over him. He knew it was the perfect gift, not just for Leonora, but for himself as well. It was a tangible reminder of their shared journey, a silent acknowledgement of the unspoken emotions that danced between them.

“Thank you very much,” he said to the old lady and left.

As he left the shop, the necklace safely tucked away, Callisto felt a sense of peace he hadn't anticipated. He couldn't deny the confusion swirling within him, the conflicting emotions tugging at his heart. But he knew, with a certainty that surprised even him, that his friendship with Leonora was something precious, something worth cherishing, something he wouldn't trade for anything. He couldn't predict the future, but he knew, with a quiet confidence, that whatever happened next, his journey with Leonora was far from over. And that, he realized, was enough. For now.

“Lory!” he shouted as Callisto saw his best friend who’s sitting in silence with a book in her hand, with her windows wide open.

Leonora quickly turned right after that yell. Lory? The unexpected name settled upon her like a soft caress, a gentle affirmation of his feelings. She closed her book and quickly turned to her elegant mirror, she suddenly had the urge to polish her appearance. With careful attention to detail, she perfected her look, smoothing stray strands from her hair. Afterwards, she ran down the stairs and went outside, “Hey,” she said, with her eyes shimmering.

Callisto looked at her. Leonora, with her auburn hair gathered in a half-knot, possessed a radiant beauty. A simple green dress seemed to enhance the natural glow of her skin, complemented by a smile that shone with an inner light.

“Come in,” she added and gestured to the young man to come inside.

“Anything new with the confession you've been working on?” he asked. The two of them sat in the living room, making themselves comfortable as Leonora poured water on his glass.

“Hmm.. nothing’s new, still the usual.” she simply replied, as she poured water on her glass.

Callisto swirled his glass and then chuckled, “You always say that, Lory.”

She snorted. A puzzled frown momentarily creased her brow at the unexpected moniker, yet a secret smile bloomed within, a quiet pleasure blossoming in the hidden corners of her heart. “Why are you suddenly calling me by such a name?” Leonora asked with a confused expression drawn in her face. But deep in her heart, she was pondering the unexpected nickname he gave her, a very charming one.

“It just crept into my mind on my way here,” he responded. “Are your parents out of town again?”

She shrugged, “I already told you, nothing’s new, Cal.”

The unexpected echo of his own gesture, Leonora's playful nickname, filled him with a quiet joy, a secret harmony blossoming between them. “We’re giving nicknames now huh?” he smirked, and playfully raised his eyebrows.

She rolled her eyes, “You started it,” she then grabbed the book she’s reading earlier. His eyes, filled with unspoken emotions, lingered on Leonora, a silent conversation passing between them in the intensity of his stare.

“What are you reading?” he put down his glass, looking at her with a sense of curiosity about the words she was encountering at that moment. She finished reading the last line of the book before he turned to him, “I’m reading a book of fiction… about romance. I just thought it would give me ideas to shape my confession for Felip…” she pursed her lips, her mind suddenly wrapped with humiliation.

Callisto was filled with amusement, “You’re putting too much effort on our bet, Lory. Are you sure you don’t wanna marry me instead—” he was suddenly alarmed, shielding his face with his arms, as Leonora raised up her book, looking like she was about to throw the book at him. “I was just joking!”

Leonora slowly put down her book, immediately flipped a page, and continued to silently read her book. “You know, it’s time for you to challenge yourself,” Callisto suggested. “Why don’t you try… spending more time with Felip?” he said, slightly hesitating for a second as he felt this heavy feeling that—again— he could not describe.

He looked at Leonora who slightly looked away as she chortled. “What if he gets a hint, “But… what if he suspects my feelings?” she murmured while tucking a strand of her hair in her ear.

“Isn’t that precisely the point?” Callisto asserted, his gaze steady on Leonora. “You must find the courage to express your feelings. All it takes is a subtle gesture to convey the depth of your unspoken admiration. Sometimes, it’s the smallest maneuver that sparks a realization.” Despite his own reluctance, Callisto's words carried a weight of truth.

Leonora nodded, “You’re absolutely right. But I need your help, Cal.”

He felt a hidden joy as Leonora mentioned the newly-made name she gave him. He chortled, "Oh, of course. Happy to help the woman who doesn't want to marry me." A wave of mirth washed over them both, their laughter mirroring and amplifying each other.

“I forgot to mention, I’ve been writing a new poem…” he mentioned, “But it’s not yet finished. I think I’m missing a few words.. And it seems to me that it needs a little more polishing”

“Oh—What is it about?” Leonora took a quick sip and promptly put down her glass, showing keen interest about the topic.

“It’s a romantic piece. I have written countless poems about it yet… this one is different,” Timidly, he replied with a downcast glance. He reached for his pocket, grabbing a nicely folded paper with his hands. He showcased the folded paper which contains meaningful words.

Leonora leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Different how?" she asked, her emerald eyes sparkling with interest. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Callisto hesitated, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. He fiddled with the rim of his glass, his gaze drifting away from Leonora's intense stare. "It's… about a hidden love," he finally murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "A love that's unspoken, yet deeply felt. A love that's both exhilarating and terrifying."

Leonora nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "A love that's… messy?" she suggested softly, recalling their conversation at the theater.

Callisto looked up, a flicker of surprise in his dark eyes. "Exactly," he breathed, a small smile playing on his lips. "A love that's full of doubts, hesitations, and unexpected turns. A love that's… complicated."