Ebb and Flow

Living amongst the bustle is truly invigorating. I am fascinated by each new face that passes. Thousands of faces, bodies and people from all walks of life. Within one week, I encountered more individuals than my entire town had to offer. Work at the library was constant as a librarian in training, and all the movement and mental power I had to use quickly put me to sleep when I got home each night. That same chaos I encounter out on the streets of the world around me, has also made me realize I crave calm, quiet, safe spaces for introspection and contemplation. Space to read my books, lounge and stretch. And I've become so thankful for the atmosphere that Tony has created in his apartment.

Tony also seems to appreciate the calming effects of the apartment. He's also got a little room where he exercises and lifts weights. More than a dozen times, he's come out of his gym, absolutely glistening and dripping, shirtless. And while I try to hold my own and just talk and chat nonchalantly, I know he's caught me spacing out over a dozen times, gazing at the way his abs funnel into his loose shorts. His disarming smile reaction makes my cheeks catch fire, but I'm quick to change the subject and make busy in the kitchen or head back into my room.

There are many other times, however, that he has company over. Nearly every night. I have never actually seen any of these people. I'm not trying to snoop or pry, but I hear their voices and their laughter. Sometimes, animalistic grunting and moans do catch my curiosity, but I chalk them up to exercise challenges. I'm nervous to ask to hang out, because I do not want to come on too strong. Over the upcoming weeks, I plan to attempt to ask him for pointers in my own stretches.