There was this girl, a little weird, at the back of the class.
Blonde, clear eyes. She had been here for a few years already. I forgot his name, almost willingly. She remembered me about once a week, when she smiled at me in a sports class. She had small porcelain teeth and pale complexion, blue-colored nails. I remember her hair tied, because it was always like that she was combing her hair when she smiled at me. I had forgotten his voice, I had forgotten the shape of his lips and his profile. I remembered his eyes underlined by dark circles. His way of running, striding, blowing regularly. Her look amused when she doubled the other boys. Her smile when I slowed down so she was first in the race. I loved his sneakers, full of color and that raised the dust. I had forgotten its smell when it passed me, a light mixture of spices and heat.
I had forgotten the effect she made me, the red cheeks and butterflies in the stomach.
It’s been so long. Years have passed and yet everything comes back so quickly. A race in the Tuileries garden, a braid that beats the back of a silhouette, a hot smell of spices.
So for once, I do not let her win. Feet that accelerate, heart beating and butterflies in the belly. I grab his arm to finally look closely at his eyes so clear. She still has her smile, that smile that wants to turn into laughter. A little more dark circles, skin reddened by the summer sun. She recognized me, that’s for sure. You have to open your mouth, and finally say it.
“It’s been so long since I love you.”

