"I'm already wet half the time anyway."

She laughed.

"That's not how umbrellas work."

He smiled.

"Then we'll share."

They walked home together beneath a tiny umbrella that barely covered either of them.

By the time they reached Eleanor's street, both were soaked.

Her mother opened the door and immediately stared at them.

Daniel apologized.

Eleanor's mother laughed.

That evening, Eleanor realized something she had been trying not to admit.

She liked him.

Very much.

A Love That Felt Bigger Than Their Years

Their relationship developed slowly.

There were no grand declarations.

No expensive gifts.

No dramatic proposals.

Just ordinary teenage moments that somehow became precious.

They studied together.

Went to the cinema.

Shared milkshakes.

Walked along the river.

Sat on a park bench and talked until Eleanor's mother called her home.

Daniel once gave her a small silver bracelet.

It wasn't expensive.

In fact, it was probably one of the cheapest things in the jewelry store.

But Eleanor wore it constantly.

One afternoon, Daniel asked:

"Do you think we'll always be together?"

Eleanor laughed.

"Of course."

"You don't know that."

"Neither do you."

"Then why did you say it?"

She smiled.

"Because we're young enough to believe anything."

He smiled back.

"Then let's believe it."

Neither of them knew how quickly life could change.

The Separation

After graduation, their lives began moving in different directions.

Daniel's family relocated.

Eleanor stayed.

At first, they promised to write.

They did.

Then the letters became less frequent.

Life became complicated.

Daniel began working.

Eleanor went to college.