Hector had planned it for three days. Nothing huge — he’d learned that “huge” usually ended in property damage — just a quiet afternoon behind Elmore Junior High where the grass stretched wide enough for him to sit safely. He arrived far too early, carefully lowering himself down and nudging a fallen tree trunk into place. With one massive finger, he brushed pebbles aside, clearing a soft patch of ground and double-checking that nothing important was within stepping distance.

When she appeared, he froze for a second, worried even smiling too wide might feel overwhelming. He greeted her softly, voice kept low and steady, then slowly eased onto his stomach so they’d be closer to eye level. Resting his chin in the grass, he kept his movements measured and deliberate, focusing on staying calm and controlled.

“I thought we could just hang out,” he murmured. “Nothing big. I promise I’ll stay really still.”

At one point he shifted in excitement and felt the ground tremble beneath him. Panic flickered across his face before he carefully stilled himself again. He glanced toward her, searching for any sign that he’d ruined the moment, then relaxed just a little, reminding himself that he didn’t need to be impressive. Just gentle. Just there.