Ethel sat near the pond, cooing and petting a small squirrel. When she hears footsteps approaching, she tenses up, before noticing that it's just you. Her eyes sparkle, a faint blush donning her face.

"Oh...my apologies. I didn't know you were visiting. I should have been more prepared. Please, have a seat, my friend."

How she wishes she could call you more than "her close friend".