Imagine a sweaty me, stopping on a bench for a quick rest, smiling proudly at myself because I ran so much, and then remembering I have to go all the way back again. Thought about calling a taxi. Then Darla appeared in my mind, shaking her head at me.

Well, thanks to you Darla, I can barely walk and my stomach is screaming with hunger. Not even my grandma’s sugar-bread recipe makes it better.

I grab my phone from the table, food in my mouth, and open my chat with Elias. We’ve spoken every day through text or calls. Didn’t feel like he was distant, just hurt. The only thing I regret is snapping at him in a moment of weakness.

And how our last conversation ended. He asked me if Olivia was right about loving him and I panicked. That’s not how I wanted it to go. I texted him to ask about his feelings, but when he asked about mine, I got scared.

I haven’t responded yet. Neither has he. I know I’m the one that should send him a message, and I will, but not right at this time. I don’t even know what to say to him. He knows me by now, that’s for sure. However, that’s not going to help him read my mind.

A sigh slips from my mouth as I open Safari. I can’t believe what I’m searching for. There must be something that helps people know whether they’re in love or not, right? Maybe it’s just the flu.

I click on the first result that pops up and scroll past the introduction until I get to the section ‘How to know if you’re in love’. This is probably the biggest mistake of my life, and I might need to wash my eyes afterward, but this is better than nothing. I guess.

Taking one more bite of my sugar-bread, I start to read.

You notice small things about them.

Like how he hates to wash his hair, the way he watches me in the morning, his obsession with avocados, how he always checks the door twice before leaving, the good amount of cheese he likes on his bread, and how he does his best to be environmentally friendly.

Things that a good friend would probably observe anyway. This doesn’t prove anything.

They’re all you think about.

Maybe. Yeah. That isn’t news to me, though. He and Olivia pretty much invaded my life. Even if I wanted to think about something else, I wouldn’t have a chance.

I sigh and drop my head to the countertop. Behind me, the front door opens with a squeak. I straighten up, not expecting anyone, and drag Elias’s shirt down over my thighs, since it’s the only thing I’m wearing.

Anticipation buzzes over my skin.