Half an hour later, Ron found himself facing his greatest fear. He stood face to face with Mandy's front door. What if her father or brother answered? [i] Her dad's at work. [/i] He said to himself.

Ron sighed, and knocked on the door. He heard footsteps and the door swung open.

"Mandy." Ron said longingly.

"Er- hi."

"Why haven't you answered any of my owls?" Ron asked.

"Do you want the truth?"

Ron nodded.

"I haven't read them yet. They're in a pile in my room."

"Why-?"

"I knew that if I did read them, I'd hurt more."

"Mandy, I'm sorry."

"I know you are. But, I just can't get over it, Ronnie. I know I'm being stupid but, I just can't find a way to forget it."

"Mandy..."

"I mean, it was great while it lasted right? It was a summer fling. It's time we just move on."

"I don't think I can do that."

"Ron, things always work out for the best. You'll find someone better. Someone smarter, funnier, and prettier."

"That's not possible. What part of, 'I love you' don't you understand?" He asked.

"I understand 'I love you' just fine. I just don't know how we found 'pain' in the word 'love'."

"Mandy, I didn't mean to hurt you-!"

"But, you did." She frowned, "I'm sorry. But we're over, Ron. End of story."

"I love you." Ron persisted.

"And I, you. But I have to let go; so should you."

Ron shook his head, "Take this."

"What's this?"

"It's yours." Ron kissed her cheek softly, "Goodbye, Mandy."

Ron turned away and began to walk at a rather brisk pace.

"I can't take this!" He heard her yell out to him.

"It was a gift from me to you. I'd like you to keep it. If you love me as you say you do, you'll wear it." He bellowed back without turning.