Finally Found the Words

<p>Emilia Preston is used to multitasking-helping rotate grazing on the family farm studying regenerative farming practices wading through sibling chaos. She speaks her mind and holds her own.</p><p> Until her academic confidence is subtly undercut.</p><p> Do her ideas matter less because she's a girl interested in ag science-or because she's a girl with Latinx heritage? Emilia doesn't cause drama... but she might have to.</p><p> </p><p> Tyler Alred clowns on the outside and stays quiet on the inside.</p><p> About the dad he barely remembers. About his mom's immigration status. About how it feels to be seen-really seen-by a girl like Emilia.</p><p> </p><p> When a creative writing class pushes them to stop holding back Emilia and Tyler start to share what they've been keeping in. Notes. Truths. Memories. Wishes.</p><p> And in the middle of basketball season a border crossing and one impossible goodbye-they begin to say what matters most.</p><p> </p><p> What you never thought you were saying is what you meant all along.</p><h2></h2><p>When you pull away he said It hits that emptiness. I don't... I don't want to feel anymore loss.</p><p>That was painful to hear. I'd been so caught up in my own fears and insecurities. I reacted on feelings I didn't understand and never considered how my actions might affect Tyler.</p><p>I... I started but words die on my lips. What could I have said? I felt a whirlwind of emotions-guilt sadness and a need to help. Tyler looked at me eyes searching mine. I could see the vulnerability there the raw honesty of what he'd just shared. I opened my mouth closed it then opened it again. </p><p>Tyler I... I don't know what to say I admitted my voice barely audible over the crackling fire. I had no idea....</p><p>He nodded slowly understanding in his eyes. It's okay Em. I didn't expect you to have all the answers.</p><p>But it's not okay I thought. How could I have been so blind? The silence stretched between us filled only by the pop and hiss of the bonfire. My hand was still on his arm and I realized I didn't want to let go. </p><p>I promise I'll work try not to be afraid of... of closeness. I'll try not to just react. To be there for you. My voice trembled but I pushed on. I don't know why I'm so wrapped up in my head I didn't realize...</p><p>He turned to face me his face showed both strength and vulnerability.</p><p>You don't have to promise anything Em he said.</p><p>But I shook my head felt more certain than I had in weeks. No I want to. You're important to me Tyler. More than I've let myself admit.</p><p>A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and something in my chest fluttered. I hesitated then added But I feel like you're carrying around this huge weight. You're trying to hide it from your friends. And I want to help but I don't know how.</p><p>Tyler's shoulders slumped and I almost saw the invisible burden he shouldered whatever it was made of.</p><p>It's complicated he murmured.</p><p>You said that already I teased. Your friends don't need to know all the details. But let us help in whatever way you can let us in. We're here for you all of us. </p><p></p>