Moth to a Flame

by Cambria Hebert

I didn’t want to give her words she would struggle to believe. I wanted to give her feelings that were impossible to ignore.

Again, he said, “You can touch me whenever you want.” “Everyone probably saw,” I whispered, dismayed. “A room full of people or one with just us, I’ll never deny you.”

“This is love to me, Zoey,” he whispered. “It’s you.” My heart tumbled, crashing into my stomach. Honestly, I kind of wanted to puke. But not because I felt sick. Oh. So that’s what he’s been doing. He’d been fitting himself inside my heart.

“But please keep pushing. It’s hard for me, but I don’t mind it when it’s you doing it.” Butterflies went wild in my middle, excitement twisted me up inside, and my heart swelled so much it pressed against my ribs.