Suvi
Copyright© 2026 by Zack Caddo
Chapter 5
Later that evening the apartment was quiet. Suvi had calmed somewhat, though her eyes remained red and teary. They had skipped a proper dinner, opting instead for a plate of fresh fruit—sliced peaches, strawberries, and a few pieces of melon—that Viviane had arranged on the coffee table. Suvi picked at a strawberry but ate little. She was in no mood for more.
They sat on the couch with a movie playing on the television, some light romantic comedy neither of them was really following. The screen flickered with dialogue and laughter, but their attention stayed elsewhere. Suvi leaned against Viviane’s side, the older woman’s arm around her shoulders in quiet support.
“I miss being touched,” Suvi whispered after a long silence. Her voice was small and raw. “Not just ... sex. But real touch. Someone’s hands on me like they actually want to feel me. My body aches for it, Viviane. It’s been so long since anyone made me feel wanted that way. With Mikael it became routine. With Khoi today ... even the little brushes of our hands felt electric. I hate how much I need it.”
Viviane listened without speaking at first. She looked intently at Suvi, her blue eyes thoughtful, considering. The younger woman’s vulnerability, the way her petite frame trembled slightly even now, the honest longing in her words—it all settled in Viviane’s chest. After a long moment of silent thought, Viviane reached for the remote and turned the television off. The room fell into softer lamplight and quiet.
“Come here,” Viviane said gently.
Suvi stood slowly in front of her. Viviane remained seated on the couch, looking up at the younger woman. She reached out and caressed Suvi’s arms with slow, deliberate strokes, her hands warm and steady. She wiped away the lingering tears from Suvi’s cheeks with her thumbs, the touch tender.