Julio.
I am transported back in time to his name, which takes me back in time to warm summers in South America. We used the opportunity for kisses on beaches and under the trees at the golf course. Or we could just sit in the crowd watching him play some of the greatest football ever played.
We lived a life full of adventures and all those around us knew how passionate we were about one another.
It was a joyous time for us, and we had an inexhaustible love. Our passion for the sport led us to take risks. We were constantly in danger of getting caught, but we weren’t.
It was our turn to love the world! The feeling of being free and unaffected by our turbulent romance was overwhelming. It felt like the only person on the planet.
In those sunny days, we would run through the backyards jumping over fences. A number of dogs nearby would follow us, watching and keeping quiet as we sneaked around. Our destination?… Our destination?…
Julio would often whisper sweet words of love to me in this darkened place. Sometimes we would also exchange tender jealousies and youthful reproaches. This was the culmination of all these sexual encounters. It consisted of passionate kissing, exhilarating embraces and uncontrollable ecstasy. “I love you”They were shouted in desperate need.
These are the best loving moments of my entire life.
It was like being on air when we walked together down the street, our arms wrapped around one another. When we gazed into one another’s eyes, happiness would flood my soul. Our joyful joy would result in tender smiles.
Julio and me discovered, I think, the true meaning and purpose of holding hands. It signified not just our physical interlocking but also our union and closeness and our realisation that we were only one.
It was the sweetness, tenderness and loyalty that made our unbreakable love so special. This was the love of our lives.
We were wrong…
My immaturity and ignorance led me to become distant from one another. It’s not my fault; others convinced me long-distance relationships couldn’t work.
I let go.
It was a deep hurtful experience that I felt for him… The pain stayed with me for a long, very painful time.
My terrible error was only too obvious by the time it hit me.
Julio is still my best friend after so many years.
Every time I think about him, it is always a good thing that I know he lived a full and joyous life.
Julio! Do you ever think of me sometimes when you are alone? If you think about me, are you fondly remembered?
Julio, your love has been sweetest of all. Leda B. P.