a good pain...

Danny laid in bed, his head reeling from the experience with Melissa.

"I feel restless," Melissa had said afterward. "I think I'll see what Lupe is doing..."

Danny could tell she didn't really want to leave his side, but felt compelled to. Perhaps Lupe was drawing Melissa to her. In any case, he'd slept alone many times before. "It's okay," he said. "I love you."

Melissa's glow was unforgettable. "I love you, too," she said as she went off. She peeked at him one last time before she closed the door.

Danny's head hurt.

After some hours whining to himself about it, he drifted to a dreamless sleep. Then he opened his eyes. Gently. Someone was calling for him. He looked up to the doorway.

It was Maria.

She smiled fondly. "Come with me," she said.