I Could Be Compassionate, If I Wanted.

I Don't Know If Anyone's Ever Told You This", He Begins. He Doesn't Blush, And His Eyes Don't Dart Away. Instead I Find Myself Starring Into A Pair Of Oceans - One Perfect, The Other Blemished By That Tiny Ripple. "you're Very Attractive." I've Been Complimented On My Appearance Before. But Never In His Tone Of Voice. Of All The Things He's Said, I Don't Know Why This Catches Me Off Guard. But It Startles Me So Much That Without Thinking I Blurt Out, "i Could Say The Same About You." I Pause. "in Case You Didn't Know." A Slow Grin Spreads Across His Face. "oh, Trust Me. I Know.

I Take A Step Toward Him And Grin Cheerfully. "with All Due Respect, I Don't See The Republic Tacking Up Wanted Posters With Your Pretty Face On Them.

Now, As We Stand Three Feet Apart And Stare At Each Other, I Feel The Full Distance That Comes With Spending So Much Time Apart, A Moment Filled With The Electricity Of A First Meeting And The Uncertainty Of Strangers.

Where I Come From, We're More About Efficiency,' He Replies. 'a Knife Like This'll Skewer Food, Smear Butter, And Slit Throats All At The Same Time.

Then Day Reaches Out And Touches My Hand With His. He Encloses It In A Handshake. And Just Like That, I Am Linked With Him Again, I Feel The Pulse Of Our Bond And His- Tory And Love Through Our Hands, Like A Wave Of Magic, The Return Of A Long-lost Friend. Of Something Meant To Be. The Feeling Brings Tears To My Eyes. Perhaps We Can Take A Step Forward Together. “hi,” He Says. “i’m Daniel.” “hi,” I Reply. “i’m June.