Her Love, His Scars
Chapter Four – The Candle Flame
Ziora almost dropped her phone when the WhatsApp message popped up:
So I finally joined WhatsApp. That's how serious I am about talking to you.
The number was familiar.
She clicked it — no name. Just a profile picture of a single yellow candlelight, glowing in darkness. No status. No smiley faces. Just quiet heat.
Typical.
Ziora:
Wow. A whole candle. Very mysterious.
Damian:
That flame's for you.
When are you coming to see me?
She blinked. Straight to the point?
Ziora:
We just started talking, Damian. I'm not coming over like that.
Damian:
It's just food. I make good pasta. You'll like it.
Ziora:
I don't do house visits with guys I barely know. Sorry.
Damian:
But we've been chatting. You're different. You feel safe.
Ziora sighed and stood up from her sewing stool.
It was too early for this type of pressure.
Ziora:
Yeah? Then respect my boundary.
If I'm really different, you'll wait.
There was a pause.
Then his final reply came:
Damian:
Noted.
But don't make me wait too long. Some people disappear when you take your eyes off them.
She locked her phone and sat back down.
Something about that last message lingered in her chest like the echo of the candlelight.
He wasn't just flirting.
He was warning her.