I Can Explain

Casiano was momentarily stunned, looking at the rejecting expression on Alla's face. Ms. Evans had once stated that she believed until her death that he had considered her a substitute. Did Alla think that he had never been calling her name all this while?

Casiano parted his thin lips, asserting, "Alla, I've always been calling for you, never anyone else." The belated explanation, three years too late, only engendered disbelief. Alla's serene gaze was devoid of any ripples, even tinged with a hint of indifference. 

Her impassive demeanor caused a twinge in Casiano's heart. The grip on her arm involuntarily tightened, as though if he didn't hold her close, she would vanish at any moment. He had already endured the pain of one deathly parting; he didn't want to experience another separation.