And now that he has her attention, his blush deepens, as what he'd planned to ask is a bit sensitive, and he's not sure if he should ask her--but now he's talking anyway, the words coming in a rush.

"So this question might be abrupt--of course it will be--but I've been researching a topic lately that you might some opinions on and certainly have some experience with," Autor says, fisting his good hand in the blankets near his knee. "And I'd like to trust your experience because I trust you and I hope that you're not affronted when I ask."

He draws back, a pale and vulnerable boy, but eager to listen. "So," he says quietly, "what do you think love is?"