Anne Shirley Cuthbert, now a young woman, was busy helping Marilla with the household chores at Green Gables. As she was hanging laundry outside, she noticed a stranger walking up the lane.

"Who's that?" Anne wondered aloud.

Marilla looked out the window and replied, "That's Alec Black, the new schoolteacher in Avonlea. He's boarding with the Pyes."

As Alec approached, Anne felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn't explain why, but there was something about his kind smile and gentle eyes that drew her in.

"Good morning, Miss Cuthbert," Alec said, tipping his hat. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

"Not at all, Mr. Black," Anne replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite her racing heart. "We were just doing some chores. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?"

As they sat down in the parlor, Anne and Alec began to chat about books, music, and their shared love of nature. Anne found herself laughing and feeling more alive than she had in weeks.

"I must say, Miss Cuthbert," Alec said, looking at her with admiration, "you have a way of making even the most mundane conversations seem fascinating."

Anne's cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, Mr. Black. You're quite charming yourself."

As the afternoon wore on, Anne realized that she was falling deeply in love with Alec She couldn't believe how much they had in common, how easy it was to talk to him, and how kind and gentle he seemed.

As Alec prepared to leave, Anne walked him to the door, feeling a sense of sadness wash over her.

"Thank you for the lovely afternoon, Miss Cuthbert," Alec said, looking down at her with a smile. "I must say, I'm already looking forward to our next meeting."

Anne's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. "I'm looking forward to it too, Mr. Black," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Alec walked away, Anne couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. She had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she never could have imagined.