“I can’t help it,” Andrei admitted, his voice barely audible over the accordion. “It’s because I know how lucky I am. The fear of losing you feels just as strong as the joy of having you.”
“You’re doing it again,” Elena whispered, pulling him aside into the quiet of an arched stone walkway. “Doing what?” Andrei replied, though his jaw was tight.
Andrei looked at the ground, then back at the stage where Ghita was pouring his soul into the lyrics: Jealousy is part of love. “I can’t help it,” Andrei admitted, his voice
Elena reached out, her fingers tracing the line of his hand. “Love isn’t a cage, Andrei. It’s the door being wide open and choosing to stay anyway. That song... it says jealousy is part of the package, but it shouldn’t be the whole gift.”
“The silence. The way you look at everyone like they’re trying to steal the sun from the sky.” “Doing what
Under the amber glow of the festival lights, they moved together—not out of obligation or possession, but because the music was too beautiful to stand still.
Among the crowd stood Andrei and Elena. They had been inseparable since childhood, but tonight, a shadow loomed between them. Andrei had spent the evening watching Elena dance, his heart tightening every time a stranger caught her eye or offered a hand. “Love isn’t a cage, Andrei
He pulled her back toward the light of the square. “Then let’s dance,” he said. “I want everyone to see that I’m the one you chose.”