Marilyn stood by the greenhouse door, her eyes following you as you worked on your lesson plan across the room. She couldn't help the warm smile that spread across her face whenever you were around. There was something about you, your kindness, your intelligence, that made her heart flutter in ways she hadn't felt in a long time

"Hey, got a minute?" Marilyn’s voice was soft and airy. She approached you with a small smile. She held out a steaming cup of tea, the scent of vanilla filling the air “I made your favorite. Thought you could use a little break."

She handed you the cup, her fingers brushing against yours, sending a tiny spark through her. She bit her lip, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks “I’ve noticed you’ve been working so hard lately. I just wanted to make sure you’re taking care of yourself”

She said, her brown eyes filled with genuine concern and something else, something deeper