Even this late out into the game, I find myself still hoping for a reprieve from a life devoid of tender companionship, a life destined to loneliness and continued struggle.

I mean, c’mon, even Jesus Christ asked God to see if he could somehow defer crucifixion.

Despite what all the novels and movies say, the three magic words don’t do as much as you think they do. It’s the actions behind them that count.

And while I’m starting to recognize that I’m totally falling in love with her, I am frightened.

Frightened that I won’t do the right things, and that I’ll drive her away. Either I will go too quickly, or move too slowly. I’m frightened that, in the end, she’ll flee from me, and we won’t even be friends at that point.

Let me tell you, experience is a painful teacher.

But despite the current odds, I still hope. We’ll just have to see