First time

The next night, Daphne’s apartment was bathed in the soft glow of wall lamps. The scent of vanilla and sandalwood hung in the air; small candles burned on the table next to the couch. Kara rang the doorbell with a small box of chocolates and a beating heart. Daphne opened the door; she was wearing a loose gray T-shirt, loose pants, her hair tied back with a simple clip. Her smile was gentle, as if to say, “Everything is safe.”

“Come in, honey.”

The word “honey” fell like a caress on Kara’s ear. Daphne took the box and led her to the couch. On the table were two mugs of hot chamomile tea and a soft white blanket folded.

Kara sat down, her hands clasped on her knees. Daphne sat next to her, a little distance away.

“Want to start? Just a hug. Nothing else, that’s hard for me, I’ve been trying to convince myself since yesterday.”

Cara nodded. “Just… hug me.”

Daphne opened the blanket, threw it over Kara’s shoulders, and then pulled herself closer. She wrapped her arm around Kara’s waist and pulled her gently toward her. Kara rested her head on Daphne’s chest; her heartbeat was calm and regular, like a lullaby. Dawn put her other hand under Kara’s knee and lifted her—light, like a feather—and set her on her lap.

Kara was now completely in her arms; her legs dangling, her head under Daphne’s chin. Daphne wrapped the blanket around them both. Her right hand stroked Kara’s back, from shoulder to waist, a slow, repetitive motion. Her left hand combed Kara’s brown hair, her fingers running through the strands.

Kara closed her eyes. She took a deep breath; she smelled of her, the smell of warm skin and a hint of vanilla. Daphne kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then the tip of her nose. Each kiss was like a seal of approval: “You’re here, safe and loved.”

A few minutes passed, maybe half an hour. Daphne would whisper now and then, “Okay?… .” Kara slowly relaxed; her shoulders slumped, her breathing deepened. Daphne felt Kara’s weight grow heavier—sleepiness.

“Do you want to sleep?”

Kara just nodded, very slightly. Daphne smiled weakly. She got up slowly, held Kara in her arms, and went to the bedroom. The bed was large, with soft white sheets. Daphne laid Kara on the bed, pulled the blanket over her, but didn’t lie down herself. She sat down next to the bed, took Kara’s hand, and continued stroking it; This time on her wrist, on her fingers, on her palm.

Kara's eyes closed. The last thing she felt was Daphne's finger tracing her cheek, and a soft voice: "Goodnight, my beautiful little one."

And Kara slept; deep, peaceful, like a baby resting for the first time in its mother's safe embrace.

Daphne didn't know why she said that last sentence, but a strange feeling came over her.