Kains looked at her, his handsome face especially charming in the twilight, but his eyes were sad like an abandoned puppy. Wilhelmina felt a sudden ache in her heart.
“What’s wrong?” Kains asked.
Wilhelmina replied, “Seven years ago, I was sitting here as a short, chubby kid. Now, I’m a handsome young man. Time first shapes a person, then destroys them.”
Kains couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh God, yes. And Mom especially loves watching my childhood videos.”
“You were very cute back then,” Wilhelmina said sincerely. “You’ve always been cute.”
Kains held the sandwich, speaking softly, “To you, I’m just cute. I’m not even a man.”
“Of course you’re a man!” Wilhelmina placed her hand on his arm. “Kains, you’re a handsome, cheerful, friendly man with a compassionate heart.”
“Please,” Kains said with a bitter smile, “don’t talk like it’s a eulogy.”
Wilhelmina withdrew her hand and shrugged. “You’re right, I’m not good at comforting people.”
They fell into silence. Two ducks glided slowly across the dim lake surface, leaving faint trails behind.
Kains finished his sandwich in big bites and continued drinking beer. Wilhelmina had no appetite and took a sip of her beer before saying, “I’m sorry.”
Kains paused, food still in his mouth, his voice muffled. “I already knew.”
Wilhelmina struggled to find the right words. Unlike her past suitors, Kains was different.
“You’re my best friend,” she said sadly, looking at him. “You’re like a brother to me. You’re my family. You’re the most important person to me.”
“Not important enough for you to want to kiss me,” Kains replied.
Wilhelmina smiled bitterly, “You’ve already gotten my first kiss, so stop complaining.”
“That was your first kiss?” Kains raised his voice.
“Shut up!” Wilhelmina glared at him.
Kains laughed, “I’m glad you came to find me, Willy.”
“Of course,” Wilhelmina scoffed, “I never avoid problems.”
Kains picked up a stone and threw it into the pond, creating ripples. “So, I am serious.”
“Since when…”
“I don’t know either,” Kerns said, spreading his hands. “Perhaps you were always there from the beginning.”
Wilhelmina looked at him tenderly, “How sweet.”
Kerns gazed into the dim distance, where only faint ripples remained. The moon had just risen, and sitting close, they could not make out each other’s expressions.
