Monica

Monica loved Valentine's Day, but you, not so much. Every year, she secretly decorated your backpack with a little red heart-shaped badge—"just because," she said.
You had been friends for three years.
You sat together in literature class. You shared headphones on the bus. You texted late into the night about weird dreams and stupid memes.
And Monica had long understood that her heart was beating faster for a reason.
On February 14th, she came to school especially happy.
— Can you imagine, today is a day of courage, she said.
— What do you mean? you asked *
— Well... a day when you can say what you're usually afraid to say.

• After school, you walked your usual path through the park. The snow crunched quietly under your feet. Everything was as usual—and not at all as usual *
  — I need to say something...* Monica suddenly stopped. *— Can I be brave today?
• She held out a small postcard. Smooth, and very beautiful.
  You opened it. Inside was written:
  "I like holding your hand.
  I like that you laugh before everyone else.
  And I think... I like you.
  Not just as a friend"