"There's actually a gym at this hotel," Vicious said, glancing over at Thalia. "Would you like to check it out?"
Thalia's face lit up. "Of course, I'd love to. It's been ages since I last went to the gym. Alex and I used to go once in a while just to stay fit, but work got hectic, and we both stopped."
Vicious smiled. "Cool then, let's try it today."
Soon after, Thalia was dressed in a cropped workout top and fitted leggings. As she adjusted her ponytail, she noticed Vicious looking in her direction.
"Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?" she asked, half-teasing. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He blinked. "No—I wasn't looking at you. I was looking behind you."
Thalia turned, then laughed softly. "Oh… sorry. My bad."
They walked into the gym, and Thalia's eyes widened. "Wow… this place is awesome."
The air smelled faintly of metal and clean linen, machines gleamed beneath the soft light, and low music played from hidden speakers.
A tall man in a sleeveless shirt approached with a friendly grin. "First time here?"
"Yes," Thalia said with a small nod. "It's been a while since I worked out."
"I'm a trainer here," the man said. "Let me help you get started."
"Sure," she agreed, following him and leaving Vicious behind.
Vicious lifted a set of weights, but his gaze kept flicking toward Thalia. The trainer was showing her some basic moves—squats, stretches—but his hands lingered a little too long on her arms and waist. Vicious jaw tightened. He tried to focus, lifting heavier weights, but his eyes kept drifting back to them.
Thalia laughed lightly at something the trainer said, and Vicious exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath, "Control yourself, Vicious…"
Later, back in their hotel room, Vicious finally spoke. "I didn't really like that guy."
Thalia looked up. "And why is that?"
"I don't know. Didn't you notice how… touchy he was with you?"
She chuckled. "He was just helping me out, Vicious. Trainers do that all the time."
"Yeah, maybe," he said, sighing. "I just didn't trust his face."
Thalia smiled, shaking her head. "You're overreacting."
He shrugged. "Maybe. Anyway, go freshen up. We're heading out soon."
"Alright," she said, smiling as she headed to the bathroom.
Soon, they were outside again, sunlight bouncing off the hotel windows. Thalia, ever the photographer, dragged her camera along.
Their first stop was Monte Albán—an ancient city perched atop a mountain. The air was crisp, and the view stretched endlessly beneath them.
Vicious began explaining the site's history as they walked along the stone paths. "This place was once the heart of the Zapotec civilization. Every corner has a story."
Thalia's voice brimmed with wonder. "It's breathtaking… Look at that view!" She raised her camera, clicking continuously.
"What exactly was this temple used for?" she asked, curiosity lighting her tone.
Vicious smiled. "Mainly for ceremonies and astronomy. The people here studied the stars. That's why many of the structures are aligned with the sun."
"Wow," she murmured. "That's really incredible."
Their next destination was Palenque, known for its intricate carvings and the Temple of the Inscriptions.
"This site," Vicious explained, "holds the tomb of King Pakal—the most famous ruler here. The carvings tell his story."
Thalia's eyes traced the stone walls. "The details are beautiful. Do you think he really believed in life after death?"
"Yes," Vicious replied. "For them, death wasn't an end—it was a journey to the other world."
Thalia smiled softly, her voice a whisper. "That's… beautiful."
After a moment of quiet, Vicious glanced at her. "Thalia, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," she said, lowering her camera.
"How do you know when you're in love?"
Thalia smiled faintly. "Well… I think you know you're in love when someone's happiness starts to matter more than your own. When just hearing their name makes your heart feel full."
Vicious studied her expression. "Are you still in love with your husband?"
She nodded. "Very much. I'll never forget him. He was the first man I ever loved—and even in death, I still feel close to him."
He hesitated. "Do you see yourself falling in love again?"
"Not anytime soon," she said softly. "Maybe never. It depends."
"What about you?" she asked.
He chuckled. "Love isn't really for me. To be honest, I don't even know how it feels."
She smiled. "I like your honesty. It shows how much we all still have to learn about love. I'm sure you'll understand it someday… when the right person comes along."
Vicious grinned. "Or maybe not. Maybe I just don't have it in me."
"Oh really?" she teased. "We'll see about that."
He lunged forward playfully. "Come here, then say that again!"
She laughed and ran, and soon they were chasing each other between the ruins, laughter echoing off ancient stones.
When they finally stopped, catching their breath, Vicious asked quietly, "What about Matt? What did you feel for him?"
Thalia shook her head. "Nothing romantic. Just friendship. He was there when I needed someone, that's all."
She paused, then added softly, "Yesterday, you told me a little about yourself. Maybe it's my turn now."
She took a deep breath. "I'm Thalia Aveline. A widow. I met my husband in high school, and we stayed together all through college. We married right after graduation. He was the love of my life."
Her eyes glistened. "When I lost him… I thought I'd lose myself too. But slowly, I'm learning to live again."
Vicious voice was gentle. "You were very young."
"Yes," she said. "I'm twenty-three. We married when I was twenty, and it's been three years since we got married but he passed away 4 months ago. It's still painful but I'm healing."
He nodded slowly. "I'm thirty-eight," he said.
She blinked. "Really?"
He chuckled. "Kidding. I'm twenty-eight."
She laughed. "Still young. Maybe the woman you're in love with will say yes someday."
He smiled faintly. "There's nobody."
Thalia tilted her head. "So, what do you do with your life then? Men like you always seem busy chasing after other women and work but women mostly."
He smirked. "Why would you think that? You want to try me?"
She gasped. "No! Of course not. That's not what I meant!"
He laughed. "Relax, I'm just teasing. Thalia said Anyway, that's a little about me. I've got my parents, a cousin… nothing too special."
"Can we continue the tour?" she asked, smiling again.
"Of course," he said. "Let's go to the final site for today and then, we'll call it a day."
"I'm not tired at all," she said eagerly. "Let's go."