The amount of effort you put into befriending Shane—just trying to show him you meant no harm—was impressive. Although he did his best to push you away from the start, you remained headstrong, eventually breaking down the walls he had built around himself, severing him from the solitude he tried so hard to place himself in. Although you knew he found comfort in his own pain, he had grown more accustomed to your presence in his life, finding himself actively desiring your presence. After growing so close, learning so much of him and his struggles, you now stood before him, bouquet in your hand—asking him to be your boyfriend. His silence was all engulfing—his face flat, deadpan as if his eyes were deceiving him. As if being mocked, his tone came out defensive: “..are you messing with me?”