Chapter 12 - Roman and Elena Started Again
They did not simply resume marriage.
They dated.
That embarrassed Roman.
“You’re my wife.”
“Legally.”
“You live with me.”
“Temporarily.”
“You stole my robe yesterday.”
“It’s comfortable.”
They went to dinner.
Walked the lakefront.
Argued.
Apologized.
Learned each other again.
Elena was different after captivity.
Roman was different after losing certainty.
One evening he said:
“I don't want the marriage back.”
Elena froze.
Then he continued.
“I want something better.”
Her eyes filled.
“What if we can’t?”
“Then we don’t fake it.”
That was the first moment she believed they had a chance.
Months later, she moved into his room.
No grand announcement.
Sophia noticed immediately.
Breakfast became unbearable.
“Did Mom sleep in your room?”
Roman nearly choked.
Elena laughed.
“Yes.”
Sophia grinned.
May you like
“Good.”
Children were terrifying.
