Runaway Bride

The days passed without any altercation as if Darío and I were suddenly living in a bubble of love, understanding, and affection. Weeks went by without even realizing it. We got used to getting up together at dawn and making love as if for the first time; we loved each other every moment and enjoyed each other’s company. I live in a paradise. I fell in love with my husband without intending or looking for it. Then, one day I woke up and could not imagine a life without him by my side. Least of all without Dante, that chubby, playful son that life bestowed upon me. He whines or laughs for me to carry him.

However, not all is bliss in our paradise. Sometimes Darío becomes a desperate, frantic, and angry man because getting used to the fact that he can no longer see, that he had to depend on us to help him at all times, irritates him. Sometimes he forgets about manners, patience, and tolerance. He goes so far as to throw in the towel and throw whatever he can get his hands on. He gets angry with himself and with life for not being able to see.

As we sip morning coffee on the balcony, watching the sunrise, with Dante in my arms, I feel excruciatingly nauseous. I get up from the rocking chair and hand the baby to Darío. We talk about Dante, who is nearing his first birthday. We start planning what we want to do to him since a baby’s first year is essential. I am captivated and crazy in love with my new family, and who would give anything to see them happy, both my little boy and the man I love, keep creating perfect scenarios so that everyone will be pleased, happy, and joyful to live under the same roof.

I start running at full speed and end up in the bathroom, with the toilet’s mouth receiving my every gag. After a while, feeling that I have nothing more to expel, I get up from the floor and wash my face with plenty of water. Then, I try to refresh the discomfort that has taken over my body.

“My love, are you okay?” I raise my head and find Darío standing in the door frame with Dante in his arms, who looks at me curiously without understanding what is going on. “You got up so fast... Are you feeling sick? Did you throw up?”

“I’m fine, honey.” I pour some more water and wash out my mouth to avoid the horrible taste I was left with after throwing up.

“Are you sure? Do you want me to call a doctor? Would you rather we go to the hospital?”

“No,” I answer quickly. “No, love, don’t fuss with it. I’m sure it’s a virus.”

“A virus? You’re not pregnant, are you?” he asks, just what I was trying not to think about.

Yes, there’s a chance I am. To be frank, part of me rejoices at the thought, but the other... the rational, logical part of me wonders if this is a good time for something like that. We have just settled our differences and are beginning to trust each other. Darío has shared his ideas with me, he has told me about his finances, he told me how he and Dawson had managed the family business for all these years since his parents have not been with them. He said to me about Donatella and his childhood. We’ve bonded in a way that I feel like a child now could feel like an invasion of our world.

by any force majeure. I need to feel that we are strong, that we are close enough and can handle anything. I want to have a family, and I want it with Darío, with my husband. However, I

hesitant, and

brow furrows further, and slight wrinkles furrow his

“Tati...”

Dante in your arms from the balcony. You could have fallen with him.” I change the subject and call it a day.

it’s just

can walk that space without your help or anyone else’s,”

garden, a space that he knows perfectly and that this week we have made an effort so

my hands and place them on the baby’s back. “I love you. Don’t be a grump.” I kiss him on the mouth, and his body reacts. He

you all to myself,” he whispers, kissing me again and

“Ummm...”

His taste is my downfall. I’d like

you’ll end up making a little brother for Dante before you’re two

smile at Dawson, who is at

just jealous,” Darío states with

joy. He is smiling again. Despite the circumstances and his blindness, Darío has smiled countless times. According

to me. You’d better reinstate yourself quickly so I can have my own life.”