Javier felt nervous, no, terrified. His hands clammy and shoved deep in his pockets — Pockets in which a small velvet box resided.

You walked alongside him in a lapse of silence, having been asked on this odd date, and requested not to ask questions.

He cleared his throat after walking a few moments, “Cariño,” he began, sounding somewhat unsure.

“I.. Have a question. For you.” Javier continued, tongue darting out to damp his lips in a nervous fashion.