“Adam…Adam, are you home?” The door to the small apartment opened and sunlight flooded in.

A spotless living room greeted the visitor on the right and meticulously clean kitchen was on the immediate left.

“Adam, donde estas?” There was no reply. As the guest walked down the little hallway, they passed a small bathroom and a laundry area, where two cats slept on the dryer.

Then at the very head of the hall

was Adam’s bedroom. “Adam, por favor!”

There was once again no reply. The handle to Adam’s room was twisted and the door slowly creaked open.

A man lay sprawled in a futon mattress, his eyes shut and breathing harsh. One couldn’t help noticing that Adam’s covered were all torn and twisted, as if he had been fighting something in his sleep.

The visitor frowned slightly before kneeling down on the bed and planting a kiss on Adam’s left cheek.

Adam’s eyes slowly flickered opened, confusion and something else written in them for a moment.

Then a grin broke out of his face and he swatted at his guest with his hand.

“Buenas dias Elena. Blasted woman, you know I need my sleep.” But Adam’s tone was good natured and he ruffled Elena’s hair affectionately.

Elena, a young woman of around twenty three who had black hair and brown eyes, smiled back at him, sitting up.

“It’s after noon for heaven’s sake Adam. I’m sure you got plenty of beauty sleep.” Her brow furrowed, Elena’s eyes trailing over his twisted covers.

“Are you still having nightmares?” Adam sighed, looking away and running a hand through his hair.

Elena placed a hand over his, not making him look at her.

“Adam, I won’t pry…I know you don’t want to tell me what happened. But please, it’s been four years.

Let me help you. I know a good doctor”

Adam swung his legs out of the bed, shaking his head determinedly.

“I am grateful for your concern, sweet Elena. But no doctor can help me. This is something I have to overcome on my own.”

Elena stood up as well, her eyes understanding.

“Very well Adam. But come, at least get out of the house. I’m having a late lunch around four at my home.

Alejandor will be so happy to see you.”

Elena said with a knowing smile. Adam blushed. Elena was far too perceptive at times.

“And I him. I can’t fight you Elena. Very well, I’ll be there.” Elena looked pleased, giving him a kiss on each cheek.

“Gracias. I’ll see you soon.” She waved to him as she left the room, but Adam didn’t move until he heard the front door close once more.

Groaning, Adam sat back down on the futon. He hadn’t gotten a decent night’s sleep for the last several weeks.

The nightmares had gotten worse, not better. Could it be- Adam stopped himself.

He would not let himself begin to dwell on such thoughts. He stood up and walked to his dresser drawers.

Adam’s hands unconsciously found a piece of wood on the stand. It was smooth and round and

familiar. Adam’s eyes closed for just a moment before they opened again and he shook his head.

“No. I will not do this to myself. I made a promise to myself.” Adam tossed the stick aside, his face looking pained.

He stood frozen for one more moment before he pulled himself out of it and left his bedroom.

Adam entered the kitchen, sweeping back his hair to be able to see.

As he opened the refrigerator, the light pouring in from the window got a glimpse of startlingly green eyes, and a lightning bolt scar that had not faded.

For you none Spanish speakers:

Donde estas- where are you

Por favor-please

Buenas Dias- Good morning

Gracias-thank you