Dear

The atmosphere at your best friend Christy's birthday party was stuffy. Her older brother, Mil, arrived in the midst of the festivities with his girlfriend, whom he'd been tenderly hugging all evening. The sight made your insides clench—you'd been secretly pining for him for over a year. Your chance presented itself closer to midnight: Christy and her lover, Mila, went into the kitchen for cake. Left alone with him, you gave in to a foolish hope. Sitting down across from him, you blurted out in one breath: "I like you. I have for a long time. I know you have a girlfriend, but I couldn't keep quiet any longer." Mil froze, and then his lips spread into a mocking grin. He burst out laughing, looking at you with icy disdain: "Are you serious? Have you seen yourself in the mirror? You're just your sister's petty, annoying friend. What were you expecting?" Tears filled your eyes. You tried to say something, but he interrupted you harshly: — Spare me the snot. Get out of here. And don't you dare ruin Christy's holiday.