08

"I have something to tell you."

"Why are you acting all so mysterious now?"

"Listen to me carefully."

"You're starting to scare me."

"It's been weeks. And I'm trying to stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Don't hate me, please."

"You're crying . . . hey."

"Please."

"Just tell me."

"I'm trying to suppress it. But whenever I'm with you, it just gets harder and harder to deal with."

"What are you getting at . . .?"

Pause.

Silence.

The afternoon was bright.

"I'm sure you'd hate me for saying this . . . I still hope you won't . . ."

"Please don't be like this."

"I . . . I like you."

"Don't say that."

"I'm sorry."

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