Today she finds it hard to breathe. What is it about these past couple of days that seems to drive her insane? Is it the season? Is it the snow? Is it his words describing the change of foliage and the greatness of snow days? Perhaps his promise of taking her one day to the northeast so she can see the foliage change and snow for the first time has her troubled. She already saw both. Alone. She did it once more on her own. Another promise broken that she did on her own. Some might say that it's a sign of strength. Perhaps. But if it truly is, then why does she feel shattered, broken, vulnerable...

She searches frantically for friendly faces and voices. They all seemed to have moved on or be busy with better or more important things. This doesn't help. She thinks of him again. The one she promised to herself to not think about. Another broken promise, another thing to do on her own. She was doing so well at first. And then she moved. Then it all changed. She became unbalanced, everything that didn't hurt her at one point was making everything worse. She misses him, she needs him. Is it her loneliness?

She promised herself not to think about him. She knows she can't possibly be in love with him still. Can she? Why is she doubting? Months ago she was sure, weeks ago she was still sure. What has changed now?

Is it the snow, the cold? Is it being alone? She's been alone for the past 6 months. What has changed now?

The possibility of moving on? Experiencing something new and different? Does she really miss him? Or is just the familiarity of being with him?

"I would say keep your eyes open and listen to clues and hints given to you."

She looks around. Her grades. "All A's", she thinks to herself. He doesn't know. She didn't call him, the first person she usually would tell these things. In fact, she didn't even think about him that day. Why does he matter tonight? What's the difference?

It's not so hard for her to breathe now. In fact, there's a hint of a smile and a glint in her eyes.

---

Author's Note: I told you it was interesting advice.