There was an air of awkwardness between Madelyne and me, more evident after that accidental brush of our hands. To distract myself, I took a notebook and started sketching anything, without thinking too much.

—Your drawing is very good! —Madelyne exclaimed with a smile that illuminated her face—Do you like to draw, Henry? Could you make one for me?

It was the first time I saw her really smile. Her blue eyes seemed to reflect the light of the lake, and for a moment I stood completely still.

—Henry? —she insisted, getting a little closer—Can you?

—Y... yeah, okay... what would you like me to draw?

—Mmm... draw whatever you want,— she responded thoughtfully, turning her head slightly.

What I want? What could I draw for her?

—If you prefer, I can turn around so you can concentrate— she added with a slight mocking tone.

I smiled without answering. After a few minutes, I finished the sketch and handed it to her, feeling my hands shake.

—You can look now.

Madelyne took the notebook curiously.

—It's a nutcracker... but it looks like a woman.

—It's you, Madelyne— I said, looking down.

She was silent for a moment and then smiled sweetly.

—Oh really? It's beautiful, thank you very much, Henry— she murmured —I would like to give you something too...can I?

-If you like.

Henry had drawn a beautiful nutcracker. For a moment I was overcome with guilt, I had been rude to him the day before, and after that his father had hurt him. As we talked, I noticed how long his hair was, some of it falling into his eyes.

—Could you close your eyes for a moment? —I asked him.

—What? Why?— he asked confused.

—Please, I won't do anything bad to you— I insisted.

—Mmm… it's okay.

I slowly leaned towards him. I wanted to look closely at his face, see if he had any bruises. I discovered a small mole under his left eye and a thin cut on his lip. The space between us seemed to be getting smaller and smaller, and you could tell that our breaths became intertwined without meaning to. Before I thought too much, I took one of my ribbons and tied it gently around her hair, pushing the strands away from his face.

—Ready— I whispered as I moved away.

—What did you give me, Madelyne?

—Just a ribbon.

—But… that's for girls.

—It's just a hair ribbon, and I like the way it looks on you— I replied.

—Do you really like it?

—Yeah. It's not common to see a boy with long hair, but if one day you decide to let it grow... I think you would look good. 

—Have you met more boys? You don't even go to school, right?

—There's no need to go to school— I replied calmly —Grace and I have a tutor who comes twice a week. The town is a little far from our house.

—And why do they live so far from society?

—We're not live far from society— I replied, somewhat defensively —we just prefer to be close to nature.

—But why?

—Grace is sick. Since she was little she has had breathing problems. The doctors recommended to my parents that a quiet life in the field would be better for her. And, personally, I like it a lot.

Henry nodded silently, thoughtfully. After a moment, he looked up.

—I see— he said finally, before adding in a lower voice— Madelyne, can I ask you a favor? Don't tell anyone I drew today.

—Why?

—If my father finds out, he will be angry. He doesn't like me wasting time on things like that.

—But you have talent, Henry. I don't understand how you can be bothered by something so beautiful.

—Please, Madelyne.

—Okay— I relented gently— I won't say anything.

In the distance, Grace's voice broke the silence of the field.

—Madelyne, Henry! It's time to go!

We picked up our things and headed back. When we arrived at the house, my father and Mr. Charles were waiting for us at the entrance. Everything seemed calm, until Mr. Charles's gaze fell on Henry... and on the ribbon that I had put in his hair.

—Henry! What stupid thing did you wear? —he shouted furiously, raising his hand ready to hit him.

Without thinking, I put myself between them.