“Did you really think I was that stupid?” Chris asked, settling himself down next to Rachel. “I could tell something was wrong as soon as you started to shoo me away. I promise I’ll help you, with one condition. You’ve got to promise you’ll tell me the truth this time. Why are you really in New York?”

“I-I I just…” she stuttered, taking in huge gulps of air as she began to breathe again. Taking a deep breath she replied “Well…I ran away. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I hated my home, I hated my school, I hated my town, I hated my family. I hated myself. I just…I couldn’t stay there one second longer, or I was going to do something…bad. And that’s the honest truth. I promise.”

“OK. I believe you. And I get it,” he said, putting his arm around her shoulders .”But believe me, it’ll get better. No matter what. Life has a tendency to do that. But in the meantime…I mean, I’m technically not supposed to do this…but how about you come live in the dorm? Just for now.”

He really was perfect.