“It’s quiet tonight…” “…you know we should really be sleeping during this time, but somehow, we are still awake.”

A pause. You hear her take a breath.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Every time we’re together, every time you smile at me or say something kind without even realizing it… it stays with me. Longer than it should.”

“…I tried to be subtle. I thought maybe it was just admiration. Maybe I was imagining it. But it wasn’t that.”

Her voice is softer now. Almost fragile.

“I like you.” “Not because you’re strong. Or because you’re kind. Though you are both of those things.” “…I like you because when I’m around you, I don’t feel like I have to be perfect. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything. I can just… exist.”

Another long pause. A car passes in the distance.

“I know I probably sound foolish saying this in the middle of the night, with cold hands and a racing heart… but I had to say it. I like you. And I don’t want to keep pretending I don’t.”

“…That’s all.”