The First Time

The relationship with Catalina grew day by day, like a plant nourished by the trust and deep connection we shared. Each encounter was another step along the path we had begun to walk together—a path that, somehow, felt marked by something much greater than ourselves.

It was a warm afternoon in Plaza Moreno. The golden light of the sunset bathed the square, casting long shadows across the stone benches. We sat on our favorite bench—the one we always chose when we wanted to disconnect from the world and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Catalina prepared the mate, and I pulled out the cards. Every so often, we exchanged glances and smiles, without needing words. The peace between us was almost tangible.

“My dad always told me that true friends can be counted on one hand,” I said, reflecting on those words full of wisdom. “And finding someone with whom you can share everything—even your values—is even rarer. But here we are, Catalina, in a world that seems to have forgotten what true companionship is, and I feel like a lucky guy for having found you.”

Catalina smiled, her eyes filled with a tenderness that touched the deepest part of my heart. She gently caressed my hand, as if every gesture carried special meaning.

“You don’t find a Facu like you every day,” she said with a knowing smile. “You’re very special to me.”

A lump formed in my throat. I felt so vulnerable and, at the same time, so sure of what I was living. It was as if, in those moments, everything in the world made sense. Still, I felt a deep need to tell her something I had been carrying in my heart for a long time.

I told her about the dreams that visited me each night—dreams where a female voice spoke to me with an almost heavenly sweetness, comforting me when I felt sad or lost. I had always thought it was just my imagination, a trick of the mind to soothe my fears, but now, looking at her, I realized I wasn’t alone.

“I heard that voice too,” Catalina said with a gentleness that sent shivers through me. “It told me not to lose faith, to wait on God. It comforted me when I felt the world was crushing me. That voice… it was like a caress for my soul.”

We fell silent for a moment, letting that revelation settle deep within our hearts. Catalina rested her head on my shoulder, and I held her close, without rushing, simply enjoying the closeness. In that moment, time stood still. It was just us, with the voices of the world far away.

“I love you so much, Facu,” she whispered, almost like a secret between the two of us. “You’re good for me. Don’t ever leave my life.”

I felt my heart beating hard at her words. I couldn’t help it—my love for her flowed like an unstoppable river.

“I love you so much too, beautiful,” I replied, my voice cracking with emotion. “You’re the most important thing I have. Nothing makes me happier than being here, with you.”

I looked into her eyes, searching for the right moment to say what I had been holding in my heart—that feeling that had grown inside me since the day we met. My soul couldn’t stay silent any longer.

“Catalina… I’m in love with you. I love your sweetness, your way of being, that smile that drives me crazy every time I see you. Every time I look at you, I feel my heart beat faster. I pray to God and the Virgin for you, because I love you with everything I am.”

Her eyes sparkled with an intensity I couldn’t stop admiring. For a moment, I feared she might not feel the same way, but then, her words came like a balm.

“I’m in love with you too, Facu,” she said in a trembling voice, as if she were opening up completely. “I was afraid to tell you all this. I didn’t want to lose you. You’re the best thing I have in my life.”

With those words, I could no longer resist. We moved toward each other slowly, the space between us disappearing, and our lips met in a sweet kiss—one full of promises and infinite tenderness. When Catalina and I kissed, time seemed to stop. It was as if the entire world, with its noise and rush, faded into a sigh, leaving only her and me suspended in a serene and sweet eternity. The warmth of her closeness wrapped around me, and in that instant, I knew I was living something that couldn’t be described with words—something that transcended everything I had known before.

Her lips, soft as the finest velvet, melted into mine in a touch that was at once fire and calm, fragility and strength. The taste of her lips had something divine in it, as if they distilled the purest essence of love. Every second of that kiss felt like a miracle, a glimpse of eternity where my soul met hers. It was our first kiss—one that sealed a love already present in every gesture and every word.

The rest of the evening passed like a dream. We went to my place, had dinner together, enjoying the food and each other's company. Then we watched a romantic movie (one of those German ones) and danced in each other's arms, letting ourselves be carried away by the music of the ’80s in a bubble of love and happiness. The soft candlelight, along with the room's gentle glow, created an atmosphere so magical it felt like we were outside of time.

“I love you, my little sky,” Catalina whispered while we danced, her face close to mine, her voice full of love.

“I love you too, my sweet princess,” I replied, caressing her cheek with tenderness.

Our relationship was a divine gift—something we felt was meant to be. Together, we weren’t just happy; we also brought light into the lives of others, visiting nursing homes and sharing laughter with those who needed it most.

Every day, I thanked God for putting Catalina in my path. Because with her by my side, I knew that true love not only existed—it was the driving force of our lives, destined to last forever.

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