"Why are you suddenly kneeling? I’m not sure what you’re trying to do, but you don’t need to. Get up," I said, feeling startled at her sudden posture. I reached out to help Aria up, but she firmly resisted, remaining on her knees and looking up at me with an intense, pleading gaze.

I could tell by the look in her eyes that it wouldn’t do any good to force her up, so I let go of her arm. In a trembling voice, she began to speak.

"I’ve been thinking about it... these past two months, over and over. I …