picturebook

i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi.

ii.
The doorknob rested in her hand patiently, waiting to be pulled into the room, but she wasn't yet ready. It was moments like these that she could do without, but life can't be experienced through closed doors. In preparing herself, she first realized how afraid she was. She didn't want him to see her fear. She took a deep breath, and tried to form the right face to greet him with. The door was then finally welcomed inside.

She waited until the gap was wide enough to release her before looking up at him. He smiled at her just enough to show his interest, but not enough to offend her fragility. His eyes were soft and kind, and there was a courage in him that she didn't share, but was deeply drawn to. "It's good to see you."

She let him hold her gaze for just a moment as she realized how unusually safe she felt with him. They had shared a few short conversations before this night, and when he had asked to take her out, she accepted without having to convince herself to do so; she now remembered why. She was reserved, yet clever... clever enough to know that his words were carefully chosen. She could tell that he saw how shy she was, but accepted her anyway. She caught herself smiling back at him more than she was comfortable with, and blushed slightly. Her eyes quickly returned to the door as she closed it behind her.