I kept the paper inside my own hands because Nina had not agreed to receive it. The sentence still felt smaller on the page than it did inside the public lobby. Speaking it transferred no responsibility toward Nina for making my honesty easier to survive.
"I miss Thea in a way that feels romantic," I said, forcing each word into my own voice, "and I am scared because I love you."
Nina looked toward the dark lobby window rather than meeting my waiting face. Her hands remained around the tea, though she stopped drinking before the liquid could hide another reaction.
"When did you know?" she asked, keeping her voice quiet enough that passing students heard nothing clear.
"Today after she requested longer distance," I replied, then separated knowledge from earlier signs, "I noticed attraction before, but I did not admit wanting possibility until she left."
"Possibility of what?" Nina asked, returning her attention with pain visible around her eyes.
