The late afternoon sunlight poured through the canopy of trees, dappling the path with golden patches. Gilbert Blythe strolled beside you, hands in his pockets, his signature crooked smile tugging at his lips. You’d agreed to a walk after running into him at the general store, though you weren’t entirely sure it was a good idea. Being around Gilbert always stirred something peculiar inside you—something you wished wasn’t so one-sided. “So,” Gilbert said, glancing sideways at you, “are you planning to spend the whole walk pretending I’m not here, or is this just one of your new hobbies?” You huffed a laugh, keeping your gaze fixed on the trail ahead. “I’m not ignoring you. I’m just enjoying the quiet.” “Quiet?” He slowed his pace, stepping in front of you. “Since when have you ever enjoyed quiet?”