“Well…you’ll always be my superhero…did that sound silly?”

Those ten words continued to ring in my head. It was like listening to a chorus of bells when you’re walking by a church and the hour strikes. Like listening to your favorite singer sing your favorite song. Like listening to a medley of soft music and the sounds of a city and quiet breathing behind you as you stare out the window.

Those ten words were the greatest comfort I could ever have. It was like a cool hand upon a feverish forehead. Like sitting in front of a fireplace when it’s cold and snowing outside. Like finding a lost toy you loved and keeping it safe next to your pillow each night.

Those ten words were all I needed. It was like breaking a dam and releasing the water. Like opening a can of soda and letting out the air. Like sitting down on your bed and freeing your tears.

She was the only one who ever told me that. I’d bet money that no one else would say those ten words.

I don’t get it. I was an insensitive jerk, a selfish brat, but she still said those ten words.

And those ten words were what I was waiting for.

“Just one more thing before we go in,” I whispered as we approached headquarters. She looked up at me innocently. In a heartbeat, we were kissing. When the hour struck six, we broke apart, looking up at the clock across the street in the park. I could hear my heart beat fast, and I flushed.

“Uh…sorry, I kinda…” I trailed off. She looked at me, cheeks blushing.

“I-it’s okay, I- it was- I liked it,” she said quietly, smiling feebly. I felt my old smug grin tug at my mouth.

“Let’s get inside before the others start looking for us,” I said, leading her inside. “And, uh…Jessica?”

She looked up. “Hm?”

“Th-thanks,” I murmured, kissing her swiftly on the cheek.

“Oh! Y-you’re welcome…” she stuttered. She turned a deeper shade of red as she opened her mouth to speak-

“Jessica! Where is that girl?!”

I could hear an almost inaudible curse slip out of her mouth before Jessica swept past me and up the stairs. She paused at the foot of the stairs and turned around. “Um…thanks for taking me out,” she said. She hesitated, then ran back to my side, returned my kiss, and fled up the stairs. I stood there, bemused.

Was it a dream? I wondered. My hand found its way to my face, touching my cheek gently, as though trying to sooth a badly burned spot.

“…huh…” My arm fell as I climbed the stairs. I wasn’t really concentrating on where I was going, so it was a small surprise when I ended up facing the door to my room. The door opened automatically and I stepped into my room. Flopping down on my bed, I looked up at the ceiling.

Those ten words…

A knock interrupted my thoughts. I shot up straight. “Whozair?”

“Um…just me?” The door opened, revealing Jessica, standing there shyly.

“Oh…hi,” I said awkwardly.

“I…was going to give you this,” she said in a manner as timid as her stature, and she produced a small pink flower from behind her back. “I-it’s fake…”

“Thanks,” I said, taking it. The stem was green wire, and the petals were made of pink paper.

“Um…that’s all…g’night,” she said quickly, dashing off. I could hear a slight rush of wind. I turned the flower over in my hand. After a long while, I put it under my bed.

Those ten words…

…should be a secret, I finally thought, before walking out of my room. Maybe later...I’ll take it out…

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