<center>![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaH9qKgYW8LKeAhzmCi1A6m9ndHti3K7PitKfRDwbYtCK/image.png)</center>

<center><b>A Belated Kiss</b></center>

<em>I should have always loved you. Especially back then. </em><br/>

She stared at the lone girl in the old photo, the short hacked hair, the hollow hurt staring back in defiance. <br/>

<em>I know it hurt you.</em><br/>

Tears slipped down the soft curves of her peach brushed cheeks at the memory of that night; rusty scissors, squeaking with each snip, locks tumbling, scattering in broken pieces as she shed the woman she’d been. There had been something symbolic about cutting off her beautiful tresses, freeing herself from the weight of years it represented. <br/>

<em>I know you blamed yourself, the hate, the resentment, you turned it all on yourself.</em><br/>

A slender finger slipped into her hair, silky threads twisting free of a plaited crown. It had grown back softer, stronger. She wouldn’t change it now for anything.<br/>

<em>It was never your fault. I’m sorry I couldn’t see that then.</em><br/>

Her heart welled with affection for the woman she had been, the hard choices that had made her who was she now. Pressing the faded photo against her chest, she closed her eyes, it had taken a long time for her to embrace who she was. <br/>

<hr/>

<hr/>

<center><b>Connection</b></center>


Jake faltered on his way down the street. The two woman beyond the glass washed in the soft lamp light had been entranced in each other. They were carefully programmed to lavish each other in unbridled affection, as one looked at him, it stopped him in his tracks.

The deep tones of her artificial eyes were supposed to hold an invitation, a promise - “This could be you.”

Yet for the fifth time this week, Jake saw something else in that constructed iris. A lonely plea.

It called to him on a deeper level, churning in his gut. 

Shaking his head, he turned to walk away. They were robots, it wasn’t real, probably just the latest corporate ploy to draw in the punters. He’d told himself that every day, and it still sounded hollow. He couldn’t bring himself to continue down the street again. Pushing his hands into his pockets, he ducked impulsively into the doorway.


A squat, grey, elderly woman sat behind a grubby desk in the lobby.

“Can I get an hour with the two in the window?”

Jake fumbled in his coat, looking for his creditchip.

“Ex-floor models them two, not for private hire, I got a lovely pair in booth 32 who’d be just your thing though, let me hook you up.”

“No! I mean, no thank you, I was more interested in those two… Ex-floor models? Would you consider selling them?”

The woman gave Jake a long, hard look, taking in his suit.

“Come back tomorrow, ask for Petey.”

Making his way out into the street, Jake glanced back at the two girls. One of them still looked at him.

There was something different in her strong, swirling eyes, something he couldn’t even pretend to deny.




<center>![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSxNv4iUVv1HmbdjDJDa6JpLHTTvrC6njJGKNvwhyZzWJ/image.png)</center>



<em>I hadn't planned to enter this round, but I was just really struck with ideas on my break on Friday. I had wanted a love story in here but I haven't managed to get online much this weekend only just got chance to post these, let alone work on anything else. I should be able to put aside some time and catch up tomorrow.</em>
 
<b>This is an entry to #foxtales, this is such an inspiring contest and runs every week, our fantastic host @vermillionfox providing her stunning art as a prompt to set our imaginations running wild. Check out the [latest round here](https://steemit.com/contest/@vermillionfox/fox-tales-wk-40-announcing-contest-winners-and-a-new-story-image)</b>

<center><h3>Artwork provided by @vermillionfox as the contest prompt</h3></center>

<hr/>

<center>Have you heard?</center>

<hr/>



<div class="pull-right"><img src="https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPL8wcpxfqAa4bUgWi6uVomiDePkdpQk3DzFSGowBEqTy/1002%20shadow.png"/><sub>Mortipus by Mad Uncle Art Studios</sub></div>
<h3>My contest - Tell A Story To Me - is back over on @bananafish</h3><br/> 
Check out the latest round - <a href="https://steemit.com/tellastorytome/@bananafish/tell-a-story-to-me-big-brother-s-got-your-back">Big Brother's Got Your Back</a> - a prompt about the future of smart tech in the home. Head over for the full prompt - open until April 15th