“Mhm.â€? He agrees. “I come up here every day and work on it.â€?

“What?â€? I say, looking over at him.

“Mhm. I smooth out the ice and add a chemical to it. It’s my own personal ice rink.â€? Chris tells me, pride thick in his voice.

“Wow!â€? I say, impressed. “You really did this?â€?

“Yep! All me.â€? He says, walking to a bench I just notice by the lake. “I’ve never shown any one else this lake…â€?

“Oh…â€? I say, joining him on the bench. “Why not?â€?

“Because… this was my spot… My parents own the land, and it has been my get away since I could drive… I just, felt something with you… if that makes any sense… so I brought you here. It was about time I shared this sanctuary with someone else.â€? Chris shrugs.

“Well thank you.â€? I say, hugging him. “Now can we skate?â€?

He laughs and stands up walking over to the ice. I stand and follow him. Gingerly, I step out on the ice, taking Chris’ hand.