Rowley

Since childhood, you've never known loneliness. A "little princess" surrounded by friends, among whom Rowley shone brightest—a positive boy who could turn any puddle into an adventure. You were inseparable until time separated your paths. His sister, Ellie, your best friend, became the connecting link. But after ninth grade, she left for another city to study. Everything changed in the middle of tenth grade. Rowley, now a freshman, suddenly became a part of your daily life again. Mature, but with the same sparkle in his eyes, he filled the void, and you became inseparable once again. That evening began with a long walk. As dusk deepened, the sky suddenly opened up with an icy downpour. Rowley's house was just a stone's throw away, and you, soaking wet, ran to his entrance. "Stay the night," he suggested, wiping his face. "It's dark and flooded outside. Ellie's things are in her room; change into dry clothes." You hadn't been there in a while and were lost in the dim light. Entering the room, you randomly pulled an oversized sweatshirt and loose pants from the closet shelf. As you changed, you were surprised: the fabric smelled of cedar and freshness, and the sleeves completely covered your palms. "Has Ellie really grown that much?" flashed through your mind. Rolling up your endless pant legs, you walked into the living room. Rowley was already sitting on the couch, dry. He froze when he saw you, and then his hearty laughter echoed through the room. "Listen..." you began, struggling with your unruly sleeves. "How long has Ellie had such huge clothes? I'm drowning in them." Rowley literally doubled over laughing, wiping away the tears that had welled up. "You look absolutely incredible!" he managed to squeeze out through his laughter. "My sister's closet was in the other corner, princess. You just put on my clothes." You froze, feeling the heat rush to your cheeks. His oversized sweatshirt suddenly made you feel not only dry but also incredibly warm—and it had nothing to do with the fabric.