"But you're also…young. And when you're young, it's easy to think that caring about someone is enough reason to give them your heart."
Nnenna felt a small heat bloom in her cheeks, and she tried to look away, but Carl's voice continued, low and even.
"Some people…" His gaze flickered almost imperceptibly, and Nnenna's mind, just for an instant, flashed to Somto's smile. "…their hearts aren't free to catch. Maybe they're already given to someone else. Or maybe they're just not ready. Or maybe they will never be ready."
He paused to let that sink in.
"And unrequited love—"
Nnenna swallowed, a dull ache forming in her chest she hadn't expected.
"—is the fastest way to destroy yourself," Carl finished, his tone softer, though no less serious. "It will eat at your confidence, distract you, make you second guess everything good you've built for yourself."
He leaned forward a little, emphasizing each word.
"That's why I'm telling you now: Guard your heart."
