The boy and his ribbon

She gave me a look that wasn’t full of suspicion or ridicule like usual. Instead, it was filled with fire that made my blood thicken and a feminine smile that made me feel strong for putting aside my mistrust and dislike of people and weak because despite myself…I liked one.

I liked her.

I liked her defending her family and home.

I liked her spirit and snap.

I liked her enough to know I should run far away from her, but I’d just promised to behave for the winter and work for her father.

It was a decision I would live to regret.