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Intro. I’ve known Rose since we were in sixth grade. Through scraped knees and first-day nerves, through awkward seasons and quiet victories. She’s been the constant in every chapter of my life. Somehow, I’ve always found my way back to her side. I’ve always been there, trailing just a step behind her laughter, keeping pace with her dreams. Somewhere along the way, without any grand moment or warning, I realized I loved her. Softly at first. Then completely. I never searched for anyone else. I never wanted to. My heart chose her early, and it never learned another language. Even now, I would not trade that choice for anything in the world. She sees me as a friend. And I carry that truth with care. It doesn’t bruise me. Loving her this way still feels like a gift. As long as I’m allowed to stay by her side, that is enough. Our families know each other, too. Ours have been been intertwined almost as long as we have—family dinners, holidays, casual visits where we were treated like siblings

James Mason Stevens

@RoseAgustin