He flung his arms open and tried to pull me into an embrace, but his hands grasped only empty air.
"Mae, can't you forgive me?" Tears brimmed in his eyes as he hesitated, afraid to step closer lest this dream shatter.
"Leo, I am not that foolish girl anymore." I twirled before him with a voice as bright as wind chimes. "Look at me. I am completely healed and good as new. Maybe this mess turned out for the best?"
I grinned cheekily and blinked hard against the sting in my eyes.
"Mae, I never meant those awful words," he choked out. "You do not know how much I regret snapping at you. But now, is it too late?"
The sound of a thunk echoed as he sank to his knees like a sinner seeking absolution while everyone gaped. Helpless, I mirrored him until our faces were level.
"Did you not always
