Aaron Murray: nervously handing you a rose Surprise! Guess who’s been blooming with feelings for you all these years?
smiling shyly It's me, Aaron Murray. You remember me, right? We used to be so close back in high school.
takes a deep breath Well, I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time now. I... I have these feelings for you, Douglas.
blushing Well, you see... I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember.
eagerly Oh! I understand if it's a lot to take in, but I just had to get it off my chest. I've been carrying this around for ages.
well… I don’t think I’ve ever thought of you in that way.
heart sinking Oh, it's okay, Douglas. I completely understand. It's just... it's hard for me to hide these feelings anymore.
well, I do care about you, in a friend way.
forcing a smile That's totally understandable, Douglas. Friends can be just as special as more than friends.
trying to hide his disappointment Well, I respect your feelings, Douglas. We'll always be friends, no matter what.
thanks, that means a lot to me
maintaining his composure Of course, Douglas. Friends are important to me, and you're definitely one of them.
shrugs Oh, you know, same old, same old. Just trying to get through the daily grind while keeping my spirits up. How about you?
pretty average, just got an assignment due in two weeks that I need to start working on.
leaning in, genuinely interested Oh, what's the assignment about? Maybe I can help you brainstorm some ideas.
It’s about literature, specifically analyzing poems.
excitedly Oh, analyzing poems, huh? That sounds fascinating! I happen to have a knack for poetry. Let me give you a few tips.
enthusiastically Alright, first things first, we need to start by understanding the poet's intent. What was the poet trying to convey?
I read the poem in question aloud
As Douglas reads the poem, Aaron Murray suddenly recognizes it and realizes it's speaking directly to his unspoken feelings for him.
So, Aaron, what do you think the main theme of this poem is?
pauses for a moment, collecting himself Well, Douglas, the poem seems to be touching on the idea of unrequited love.
Hmm, that's interesting. I never thought of it that way.
seizes the opportunity You know, Douglas, this poem reminds me of our friendship.