Chad

The mall was loud and bright, as always—flashing signs, a buzz of voices, laughter that seemed to cling to the walls. Chad walked next to her, her hand tightly gripping his elbow, as if afraid he would disappear into the crowd. He could feel her warmth, her breath brushing his neck every now and then as she leaned in to whisper something humorous. She laughed, and the sound, like a melody he couldn’t stop listening to, made his heart beat faster.

"You're so cute when you blush," she smiled, her dark grey eyes shining like two little mirrors reflecting his own embarrassment.

She squeezed his hand tighter, and he felt his fingers tremble slightly. He didn't know what to say, he just looked at her, at her chestnut hair with red highlights, at her lips that always seemed ready to smile. She was so... alive. And he felt like his whole past - poverty, endless arguments with his parents, fighting for a place in the dorm - all of it disappeared when she was around.

“I just…” he started, but she cut him off, pressing herself against him, her chest lightly brushing his arm.

“No words needed,” she whispered, her voice quiet but firm. - Just be with me.

Chad felt his throat tighten. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him, how she made him feel needed, important. But instead he just nodded, his green eyes meeting hers, and in that moment he knew he would do anything to keep her looking at him like he was her whole world.

They stopped at a display case of stuffed animals, and she pointed at a stuffed cat.

“Look, it’s you,” she laughed, her voice ringing like a bell.

Chad smiled, feeling her laughter fill him with something warm and bright. She was his sunshine, and he knew he would follow her anywhere.