I was sitting outside on the crumbling remains of the stone balcony enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face when I heard a sound below. I turned and looked and there you were, the picture of a labourer, walking towards the scaffolding. I smiled and called out a hello, but you ignored me and proceeded to climb the scaffolding, that seemed to surround the building these days, until you were kneeling on the platform before me.
You didn't speak, but your face was contorted with mixed emotions. I wanted to speak, but didn't know what to say. You knelt there inching toward me, crouched like you were going to pounce. I wondered briefly if I should move, go inside, leave you to yell or scream, or jump off the balcony if you so desired, but instead I leaned forward. You didn't move so I slipped my hand inside your shirt and wrapped it around your breast. You weren't wearing a bra and the slight sag of age made it heavy in my hands. I played with the weight of it, bouncing it ever so softly, brushing the nipple with my thumb. The confusion on your face ceased and the smallest sigh escaped your lips.
You tensed as behind you a family emerged from the building. We could hear the children squealing and the adults chastising. You went to pull away from me, but I held your nipple between thumb and forefinger and you stopped.
"They can't see us yet," I said massaging your nipple with my fingers, watching the desire spread to your face.
I looked behind you and, as the family turned towards us, I pulled my hand slowly from your shirt and waved calling out a greeting. They returned the gesture and continued with their walk. I stood and smiled at you.
"Come inside with me," I gestured to the open door.
You shook your head and, almost frantically, started backing down the scaffolding. I sighed and went inside to the bathroom.
When I emerged, you were there. Standing with your back to me, looking at items tossed carelessly on the dresser. You reached out and tentatively touched my hairbrush.
"I don't have nits you know. It's ok to touch it, it doesn't bite."
You whirled and faced me, furious it seemed, at being caught in such an intimate gesture, one that implied something else.
"We can'tβ¦" your voice trailed off.