Zach continued enthusiastically, "When you want to take a break from reading, you could try some games our gaming department developed; you might enjoy it. And if there's a particular game you want, just let me know."

He was like an old man with an endless stream of thoughts to share.

Madelyn's patience wore thin. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the phone onto the bed. "Zach, I don't need any of this," she declared, exasperated.

'He declares his love one moment, but he might as well claim my life the next.' Madelyn thought to herself.

Zach, undeterred, replied gently, "It's okay if you don't accept it now, Madelyn. One day, you might, and I'll wait. I may not know how to love someone properly, but I'm willing to learn, step by step."

Madelyn's tolerance faded. She pushed his hand away and stepped back. She said flatly, "You're beyond saving."

Zach chuckled lightly, "Perhaps you're right."

"And you're a madman," Madelyn accused.

"You might say that," Zach agreed, unfazed.