“I have loved you, Violet Glenn, since sixth grade. I’ve stood in Johnny’s shadow and watched you adore him, even when he didn’t deserve it. I’ve taken photograph after photograph of your face, none of which came close to capturing the beauty I see every time I look at you. Your smile is the first thing on my mind when I wake and the last before I sleep. Your laugh makes me want to sing with happiness.” He paused and laughed softly, eyes on the ground. “I know I sound like an idiot, or the most repulsive poet of all time. I had an early start with the wine.”
