LOVE IN DARK TIMES

Ximena is in her office, pacing back and forth, intoning words in a speech that crosses out phrases and adds others, when a voice startles her:

“Hello, my love. It was Angelo who surprised her with another bouquet of flowers. How creative! It is wise not to repeat gifts, which can give rise to the nickname of flower-giver, an example of Don Flower Man.”

“What a surprise! I am so stressed with this speech, I don't even know what to say.”

“My Ximena, you rehearse so much, and in the end, you don't even read that sheet of paper with so many scratches.”

“I don't know why I always lose it; it's a coincidence.”

“Although, if you look too stressed, come on, I'll give you a massage.”

“No, my love, I know what your massages end up doing.”

He pretended not to hear her and rubbed her shoulders, making her purr, like a man who would not be intimidated by a refusal.

&ld