19: A MISTAKE

We run through the woods, wind whipping my hair, branches and thorns trying to snag at my dress, the leaves under our shoes crunching, heels sinking into the soft earth, and my giggles echoing into the night. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so free. I can’t remember the last time I’d thrown caution into the wind like it was nothing but dust and followed what my heart desired.

We make it to a clearing near the main school building, and I pause, laughing, trying to catch my breath, and shaking my head all at once. My face feels flushed, my hair wild and ruffled from the breeze. I try to tame it, running my hands through and turning to face William.

There’s a genuine smile on his face. The most gorgeous smile I’ve seen in my life, and I feel my heart stuttering in pure awe of it. It feels like I could melt and die right here.

Slowly, his fingers brush away a strand of my hair, tucking it back behind my ears, his touch soft and careful like I might be made of glass; like I’m an i