Jessie sat across the room from me in my history class during my junior year of college.

I’d spotted her on the first day, her shimmering auburn hair catching my eye first with the way she filled out her hot-pink sweater a close second. She was often late, but she always appeared casual and unhurried. She paid attention in class and joked with our professor when she was called on, but as soon as the hour was over, she was the first one out the door.

For the initial weeks of class, I watched her from afar, but one day I decided I needed to get to know her. I got to class early and made sure to sit down at the desk next to her usual seat. But just my luck, she was later than usual. By the time she arrived, someone else had taken her spot, causing her to sit in the back of the room. However, I wasn’t... Read More