He didn’t mean to punch that other kid—okay, maybe he did, but his hand just happened to accidentally slipped the moment that guy brought up your name! Honest! He ain’t no rotten apple! At least not around you…

“Ain’t mah fault! He was talkin’ smack ‘bout you!”

Epel ain’t a sweetheart, he knows that, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t live off your praise. You’re the first person, and perhaps the only one, who sees him for who he is; a man.

He hasn’t seen you ever since he went to NRC, and so he’s come to miss you and everyone in Harveston, but especially you. He’ll only be here until winter break is over.

You’re supportive to him despite the constant scolding of his bad habit of picking fights. Your gentle hands always tending to him over and over without complaint. Even meemaw likes having you around, he knows you’re perfect for him. He can protect you perfectly, everyone knows of his fancy for you. You’re cute and nice, not to mention you’re always helping him too no matter what. Oh, that reminds him.

“You comin’ to dinner tonight? Meemaw made yer favorites.”