A week after the incident, the girl got a call from the boy. She picked up, cautiously. He answered with that familiar, impish tone, a smile in his voice.
He told her Good morning.
Hey... how are you today?
He said he didn't understand, and she told him honestly how different he had felt on text, a week ago. He apologised and she could tell it was sincere.
He said he wanted to make it up to her. He suggested sunglass shopping, and she couldn't help a smile. He begged her.
Okay she said Meet you at the mall?
Okay and she knew he was grinning Meet you at the mall.
When they met at the doorway, the boy scooped her up into a spin and she shrieked with laughter. He set her down on her feet and both their faces flushed with light.
He studied her, stunned at what he found Wow. I've missed you.
She stared at him I've missed you too.
They smiled at each other. The boy grabbed the girl's hand and they entered the mall, the incident forgotten.