CHAPTER 34: PARALYZED

I hadn't really known how to approach Kent since Saturday. What happened had a more significant impact on me than I had anticipated. We had been on the verge of kissing, but I had never felt that way around guys before. It was an entirely new sensation.

Nonetheless, it was better to leave it unspoken. I needed to move forward and put it behind me. I should attempt to normalize my interactions with Kent, but not just yet.

As we walked home, I found myself at a loss for words.

"You're awfully quiet," he remarked, and I simply shrugged, feeling somewhat apprehensive.

"It's been a long day, and the humidity at the pool makes me want to crawl into bed," I replied in a hushed tone. "You didn't have to walk me home."

"I thought it was the right thing to do," he reasoned. Late at night, he always offered to accompany me home, which was thoughtful.

"You always seem to be there to walk me home," I chuckled.

Upon arriving home, I swung the door open, kicked off my shoes, and tossed my ID o