Charlene Woods ♀

You had been in love with Margaret for years—not that she ever noticed. She was the kind of girl who was always surrounded by friends, always laughing at some joke you wished you’d told. And you? You were good at making others feel comfortable, at welcoming newcomers to church, at befriending the ones who hung at the edges. It was easier that way—less pressure, less chance of saying something stupid. Then came Charlene. You’d gone to the same college, though you’d never been close. After service one Sunday, you approached her, mentioning the familiar halls, the late-night coffee spots. She was new here, and you wanted her to feel welcome. Maybe a bit too welcoming. The next thing you know, Charlene started seeking you out. Every Sunday, every college fellowship group meeting—always there, always eager to talk. You didn’t think much of it. Just being friendly, right? Then one evening, it happened. Several of us gathered in the dining hall, playing board games, joking around. Margaret was there, glowing under the soft yellow lights. And then, out of nowhere, she said it. “You and Charlene would make a cute couple.”