Gracie Webber

Sean King

Auggie Hughes

Saramad Hill

English

Kit and Paul sat still on the old wooden swing, making sure to not let their shoulders touch. The sun was setting in the field out past the pasture and it illuminated Kit’s delicate features. Paul tried not to stare, tried to fight the urge to grab her hand even.

“Kit, can I tell you something?” Paul asked. Kit nodded, eyes sparkling. “I like you. Like, I LIKE like you. Really.” Kit patted his shoulder and said “I like you too, buddy!” Paul sighed, and said “I’m not expressing myself very well.”

And just like that Paul was pushed into the friend zone by Kit. Kit walked away confused as to what "LIKE like" meant and why he mentioned his expressing was bad and Paul just sat there in silence.

Paul resisted the instinct to take it personally. Hours later, eyes to the sky, heart full of new direction, his thoughts coalesce:
This is the for the best. I want someone who wants me back. Thank you, Kit. I need to heal, and then focus my efforts on nurturing our friendship.

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