A CANDLE IN THE ROOM

"What do you want?" asked Elissa.

Edgar grasped Elissa's hand tighter. His lips blossomed into a smile. He was satisfied to see Elissa, who had finished his cooking. Only a few pasta was left there. It was all gone, and so was the soursop juice in her glass.

"Do you know why I wore that shirt when we married?" Edgar asked.

Elissa shook her head.

"I wanted us to start things off right," said Edgar.

"From the beginning?" asked Elissa, not understanding.

"Yes. Have you finished eating?"

Elissa nodded. Edgar immediately got up from his seat. He took Elissa's hand and led her to the room. His other hand held the candle used to light the dining table.

Edgar's grip was firm. Elissa swallowed. The closer she got to the room, the faster her heart beat. Only this time, Elissa was not nervous at all. Instead of letting go of Edgar's hand, she grasped her husband's hand tighter.

Elissa was amazed that her bed had been decorated with blue roses. The black sheets were now white. White sheets that f