"Will we still be able to make a pizza and watch a movie like tonight when we're on a break?" Mario was trying to understand how they would manage things. He still couldn't believe he was giving all this up.
"Well, maybe not. At least not now. We really have to try to commit and give each other space. Otherwise, it won't be any use at all. Maybe later, we'll see." Lara seemed to have things figured out--or at least clearer than he did about the space she wanted.
"But how long will this go on for? Do we have a deadline?"
"Love, I don't know, I really don't. Let's not set deadlines or timelines. Let's take as much time as we need to figure things out. You know, we've talked about this already. Please, let's not bring this up every time. If it's a break, it's a break. We discussed it today and made the decision. From tomorrow, let's stick to it and see where it leads us." Lara was starting to show signs of fatigue. She hugged Mario, who remained silent. It wasn't easy for him to understand all of this, but he knew there were no alternatives right now. Either they let everything fall apart or they tried it this way. Even though he had never believed in breaks.
"Alright, my love. We'll get through this, you'll see." Mario tried to summon some conviction and kissed her forehead.
"Look, I know it's hard, but maybe starting tomorrow, we should also stop calling each other 'love.' We're just roommates. Let's think of it like a role-playing game. It's not easy for me either," she said, looking at him with her green eyes, slightly damp.
Every word was a blow to Mario. It was like pieces of him were being taken away one by one. You can't do this anymore, or that, or anything else. He thought of her body. Not being able to see it, touch it, smell it. He felt himself sinking.
"Can roommates do this?" he asked, reaching out to touch her breasts. Lara playfully slapped his hand, letting out a soft laugh.
"I'd say no, wouldn't you? We won't be friends with benefits if that's what you mean. Come on, be serious, this is important. Really." Lara looked at him with a mixture of a smile and a plea that melted Mario's heart. How would he get through the nights without holding her?
"But we're on a break starting tomorrow, right?" Mario asked.