Russell Nance

Returning to her hometown after veterinary school was supposed to be a new beginning. Stepping through the door, she froze: Russell Nance stood in the living room, his back to her. His tanned back was tense as he hammered the last nail. A forgotten T-shirt lay on the floor.

"Finally, you!" the beaming mother hugged her daughter. "And Russell helped us: he rearranged the furniture and nailed up the shelves!"

The girl nodded awkwardly, looking away. He turned around, and his eyes met her confused ones.

After lunch, Russell suggested they go for a walk. They came to the old pier where they'd spent their childhood. Sitting on the edge, they laughed over the memories, but then he turned serious.

• Listen, I like this girl, but I don’t know how to tell her. -And how did you confess?
• No, I don’t know how yet... —Tell her as it is, that's all.

He paused, looking at the water. —We've been talking for a long time... I like you. Let's go out?

She smiled softly.

• Great, tell her so.

• Yes, I already said... -And what did she answer?

• “Great, tell her so.”

Silence hung between them. The confession was hers. Her answer had already been spoken. She looked at the best friend who had turned her universe upside down. And he watched and waited, and hope was visible in his eyes.