Sam's Secret Admiration

Chapter 9

My heart did this funny little fluttery thing whenever Leo smiled. It was like a hummingbird had taken up residence in my chest, beating its tiny wings against my ribs. And Leo’s smiles were the best kind of smiles – the ones that crinkled the corners of his eyes and made his whole face light up like a firefly on a summer night. He was, in my expert opinion, the most delightful boy in the entire universe. And I, Lily, was his most devoted admirer. Or, well, I was *going* to be. We were practically married already, in my head. We’d decided on a future where we’d share a double-scoop ice cream cone every single day and he’d always let me have the first swing. It was all very well thought out.

My grand plan was to win his heart with a steady supply of treasures. Shiny pebbles from the sandbox, particularly sparkly ones that caught the sun just right. I’d hoard them, carefully selecting the best ones, the ones that winked at me like tiny diamonds. These were for Leo, and Leo alone. No one else got to see my secret stash. It was a testament to my undying devotion, a silent promise whispered on the playground breeze.