He extended his finger and touched the back of my hand gently. Bashfully, he said, “If I’d known earlier… that you like it, I wouldn’t have cut it.”

I smiled, sweetness in my heart. Here was a guy who was willing to change everything for me. I was moved by Raffles’ sincerity.

His finger rested against the back of my hand, before he slowly began to wrap his hand around mine. Just as he was about to hold my hand, the door suddenly swung open. Little Carl had brought the birds back.

“Father! We are back!”

Startled, Raffles guiltily retracted his hand while I quickly stood up and rushedinto my room with my cup. Leaning against the door, I breathed rapidly, feeling my heartbeat that wasn’t...