Lines We Shouldn't Cross

g felt different. The small, everyday mom

hours in my office grading papers-all of it

'd shared. I was starting to see the world through a new lens,

yself smiling more than usual. Stude

today," one of my students said with

l thrill, almost as if I had a secret-somet

gs after class, my phone buzzed. I glanced

a good day, Eva. Cof

ing I hadn't felt in a long time. I replied quickly, agreeing to meet the next day. We d

s. The afternoon sun was soft and warm, casting a gentle glow over the trees

" he said with

dn't wait," I repl

lined path. We talked about everything and nothing-our favorite books, the p

The water was calm, reflecting the sky and the trees aro

n it. "Eva," he began softly, "I know this might sound strange, bu

n't dared to admit. I looked down at my hands, feelin

ch was warm and comforting, and I felt a sense of peace

hink about was the way his hand felt on mine and the warmth of his presence beside me. It was

walk and talk. Every time we met, I felt myself opening up in ways I never had before. With him, I could talk abo

er told anyone. I told him about my first days at the university and how I had been so determined to succeed, even a

tories in return. And as we talked, I realized that he was becoming more than just a fri

what he was doing and if he was thinking of me too. The thought made me smile, and fo

en lifted from my shoulders. The usual worries and stresses of my life

oticed the change in me, the subtle shift that had taken place. I knew what they we

ing that evening. He said it was one of his favorite places, a hidden gem he had discovered

nt dress that made me feel confident. As I arrived at the gallery, I felt a

s, Michael shared his thoughts on each piece, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. I found myself captivated, not ju

dscape, a quiet scene of a field bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. There was

murmured, my voice b

his eyes warm and thou

is words hung in the air between us, and I knew that somethin

nd us fading away, leaving only the two o

ew that there was no turning back. This was more than a spark, more than a passing co

as we said goodbye. He looked at me, his eyes filled w

iet intensity. "I don't know where this is going,

looked into his eyes. "I want this, Michael whisper

my heart swell. And as he pulled me into a