ROSETTE

“Let me speak first,” I said in a rush, panting. “Please.”

Axel nodded. “Want to sit down?”

I shook my head so hard that I almost got dizzy. “No. No need for that.”

I inhaled a deep breath, looking at him but I looked away. I couldn't look at him, not yet. I might lose courage. I started pacing, my sweaty palms clasped together.

“So uhm…” I swallowed the excess saliva in my mouth. I could feel Axel even though I didn't look at him, feel his nerves, curiosity, everything.

“So I've been thinking,” I continued. “After Sofia left, I've been doing nothing but thinking. At the beginning, I...