"hello," i start, afraid of

falling

in love or in general,

really, because just the

thought of him, just the

sight of his smile makes

me trip over my own two

feet as i stare, just to see

him a little bit longer, hold

him in my eyes if not my

arms.

he smiles, and that enough

sends my heart into spirals

of overwhelming warmth

and my mind into a million

thoughts.

"hey," he responds, as cheery

as ever. how does he do it?

stay so cheery.

"how are you?" i say, slowing

to a stop. instead of just

passing by, maybe we can

actually talk today, and he goes

"i'm okay."

i can't relate.

but god these feelings inside of

me don't care, i nod and i say,

"me too."