My relationship with Catalina was growing day by day, like a plant nourished by the trust and deep connection we shared. Each meeting was another step along the path we had begun to walk together—a path that, somehow, felt marked out by something much greater than ourselves.
It was a warm afternoon in Plaza Moreno. The golden sunset lit up 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 took out the playing cards. From time to time, we exchanged glances and smiles without needing words. The peace between us was almost tangible.
"My dad always used to tell me that true friends can be counted on the fingers of one hand," I said, reflecting on those words full of wisdom. "And finding someone to share everything with—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 man for having found you."
Catalina smiled, with a tenderness in her eyes that touched me to the deepest part of my heart. She caressed my hand gently, as if every gesture carried a special meaning.
"A Facu like you doesn't come along 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 certain of what we were living. In those moments, everything in the world seemed to make sense. And yet, I felt the deep need to tell her something I had kept in my heart for a long time.
I told her about the dreams that visited me every night, where a woman's voice spoke to me with an almost heavenly sweetness, comforting me whenever I felt sad or lost. I had always believed it was just my imagination—a way for my mind to ease my fears—but now, looking at her, I realized I wasn't alone.
"I've heard that voice too," Catalina said with a sweetness that made me shiver. "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 sink deep into our hearts. Catalina rested her head on my shoulder, and I embraced her without hurry, savoring our closeness. In that instant, time stood still. It was just the two of us, with the noise of the world far away.
"I love you so much, Facu," she whispered, almost like a secret between us. "You're good for me. Please never leave my life."
I felt my heart beating hard as I heard those 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 breaking 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 perfect moment to tell her what I had kept 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, the way you are, that smile that drives me crazy every time I see you. Every time I look at you, I feel my heart beating faster. I pray to God and the Virgin for you, because I love you with everything I am."
Her eyes were shining with an intensity I couldn't stop admiring. For a moment, I was afraid she might not feel the same, 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 laying her whole heart bare. "I was afraid to tell you all of this. I didn't want to lose you. You're the best thing I have in my life."
After those words, I couldn't hold back any longer. We moved slowly toward each other, the space between us disappearing, and our lips met in a sweet kiss full of promises and infinite tenderness.
When I kissed Catalina, time seemed to stop. It was as if the whole world, with all its noise and rush, dissolved into a single sigh, leaving only her and me, suspended in a sweet, serene eternity. The warmth of her nearness enveloped me, and in that moment I knew I was living something beyond words—something that transcended everything I had ever known.
Her mouth, soft as the finest velvet, melted into mine in a caress that was at once fire and calm, fragility and strength. The taste of her lips held something almost celestial, as if in them was distilled the purest essence of love. Every second of that kiss felt like a miracle—a glimmer of eternity where my soul met hers. It was our first kiss, one that sealed a love already alive in every gesture and every word.
The rest of the afternoon passed like a dream. We went to my house and had dinner together, enjoying the food and each other's company. Later, we watched a romantic movie (one of those German ones) and danced in each other's arms, letting ourselves be wrapped up in the music of the eighties in a bubble of love and happiness. The soft candlelight, mixed with the warm glow of the room, created such a magical atmosphere it felt like we were outside of time.
"I love you, my little heaven," Catalina whispered to me as we danced, her face close to mine, her voice full of love."I love you too, my sweet princess," I replied, gently caressing her cheek.
Our relationship was a divine gift, something we felt was destined to be. Together, we were not only happy—we also brought light to 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 felt that true love not only existed, but was the driving force of our lives—destined to last forever.