Cynthia Dion:
"Drink this; it will help keep your body warm." After driving for a while, Mr. Holt had stepped out of the car and returned with a cup of tea for me.
His consideration touched me deeply. I managed a smile as I accepted the cup from him, my energy levels low. The rejection had taken a toll on me; for several minutes afterward, I found it impossible to form words, until I was a safe distance away from Atticus and seated in the car with Mr. Holt.
"How did you know I like tea?" I inquired softly, my voice hushed due to my depleted energy. The aftermath of the rejection had left me drained.
"I didn't," he replied, raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip before explaining, "I happen to enjoy tea."
As I looked at him, a thought surfaced--why couldn't boys my age be more li
