Walk With Me

4

Just as I expected, though I knew I really shouldn't have, Levi was waiting for me on one of the swings. The chains stopped squeaking as he glanced up.

"Hey, Harlow," he gave a small smile. I couldn't help but grin back. I grabbed his arm and pulled him off the swing. "Let's take a walk. I know a different route."

He blinked. "Alright."

"So," I said, imitating his words, "anything new?"

"My sister got a job? And we officially adopted Milo," he said. "Aside from that, not much. Just waiting to meet up with you again."

"You literally saw me yesterday."

He shrugged. "How about you?"

"I'm fine. Ollie invited a few friends over," I paused, "and I watched them for two hours. Couldn't leave him alone."

"You were scared they'd do something?"

"Exactly." I glanced around to look at my surroundings. It was quiet, and a few cars passed every now and then. I had no idea where we were. And I didn't have a phone. Of course I wasn't going to tell him that, though.

"Hey," he said, after a few moments of silence. "Do you have any rules for yourself? Morals?"

"Of course."

"Me too," he stopped walking to inspect the ducks in the pond. There were a few ducklings along with a pale colored female.

"Tell me them," I said. "If you want."

"Sure," he smiled. "I think I have about six."

I nodded.

"One, never turn down something new. I have a odd fear of regret, so I always make sure to do things or not do things that'll stop me from feeling regret." He looked away awkwardly. "Is that weird?"

"No."

"Blunt answer." He continued, "two, forgive but don't try to forget. There's no point. You can accept what that person has done but you can't forget it, no matter how hard you try. But sometimes forgiving is all you need to do in order to make it less painful."

I didn't say anything. I thought it'd be better not to since I completely disagreed.

"From the look on your face, I assume you don't agree."

I blinked. "What?"

"You're glaring at the ground."

"Oh."

"Yeah," he started up walking again once the ducks had flown away.

"What's the next rule?"

"Oh right," he said, before proceeding. "Three. Don't judge people just based on their past actions. You don't know what they're going through. They could be in pain."

"Or they could just be an asshole."

He shrugged. "You never know. Anyway, four. Always tell the truth. Even if it'll hurt them. I know what it feels like to be lied to, and it hurts more finding out that it was all a lie than knowing the truth."

That's true.

"Five. Always do my best of course," he smiled. "A victory is much more satisfying when you know you deserve it."

"I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"What you're saying is to try your best no matter what?"

He nodded. "I bet you disagree again with my rule."

"I do."

"Why?"