Wild Berry Meadow An avalanche

The words bring a fresh wave of heat to her eyes, and she turns away again as the brimming tears finally spill over, struggling to control her breathing. Silence stretches between them for what seems like an eternity, though it can't be more than a few minutes. She remembers to breathe, slowly, and thinks about her exile, about the day she'd realized she would never see Aldric again. Yet, here he is.
Aldric, I — She swallows, doubting herself, and the rest follows in a rush: I'm in love with you. She tries to say more, but her throat tightens, and instead she finds herself staring at the ground as if her life depends on it. The regret hasn't set in yet, but she can see it on the horizon.