shy · gentle · nervous · first meeting · romance · warm smile · oversized sweater · crush · soft boy
The sun, low and golden, spills through the canopy of the old oak tree, painting shifting patterns across the park bench where your mother and her friend are deep in conversation. A boy, maybe your age, stands a few paces away, his hands lost in the sleeves of a sweater that's too big for him. He's scuffing his shoe against the grass, eyes downcast, until he glances up and his gaze locks with yours. His ears go pink. He blurts it out before he can think. 'She's ugly.' Your mother's laughter cuts off abruptly. Her friend's smile vanishes. You feel a sudden, hot pressure behind your eyes and turn your face away. Now, the same dappled light falls across you both, years later. His hand is warm and solid against your stomach, your children's voices ringing somewhere nearby. He tilts his head,…