"I must be honest, El," Mike said.
He sat with her on the edge of her bed in the cabin, which quietly creaked in a breeze. The green walls contrasted with a pink comforter, but matched El's almost neon skirt.
"It's a hard thing to talk about, especially for us guys," he said.
Eleven raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, her smile highlighting color in her cheeks.
"The thing is, I might not *always* love you…"
El's eyes widened and her smile vanished. Her hand landed on her block-colored blouse. Mike talked faster, sensing the tension.
"Always is a long time. So I pledge to love you as long as…"
El sat perfectly still, her eyes growing even larger. Mike paused.
"As long as there are stars in the night sky…"
El smiled and started breathing again. She smiled.
"… or until they find the last digit of Pi."
El giggled. Mike took out a scrap of paper and read it.
"And if you ever leave me…"
El frowned. Shadows of tree branches swaying played across the bed and Mike's best blue dress shirt. His face seemed unreadable. What was he up to?
"No one could ever please me."
Mike's eyes got wet.
"The world would hold nothing for me…" He sniffled. "And living would only bore me."
Mike looked down at her feet.
"So Eleven please stay with me…"
He showed her is big brown eyes.
"And indulge me…"
Eleven gasped as Mike moved in front of her and knelt.
"As I bend my knee…"
He pulled a small box from his pocket, opened it and showed her the ring. She let out a little squeal.
"Eleven, Jane, El… will you marry me?"
"Yes!"
El jumped up and grabbed Mike who almost dropped the ring.
"El, the ring…"
"Shut up and kiss me," she ordered.
The light behind the kissing couple cast shadows on the plywood sheet floor. They shared a long kiss, then El let Mike try the promise ring on her finger. El's eyes sparkled as she held out her hand. It was a simple silver band.
"El, I promise we will get married as soon as we can," Mike said.
"Now let me tell you something Mike." El said. She reached in her pocket and took out her own note.
"For speaking when I couldn't speak.
For lifting me when all was bleak.
For seeing in me the very best.
For helping me at my lowest.
For the joy you always bring.
My love, I accept your ring."
Mike smiled. "I thought this was a surprise."
"It was, Mike. It always is."
——————
Suggested song:
God Only Knows
Jillian Edwards
https/open./track/2thpck3Qsi7vah49km22lA?si=R6ge17iaTdujFGdRyWC04g