My Favorite Compliment

I remember my favorite compliment you ever gave me. We were sitting in the computer lab surrounded by the sound of clicking keyboards and outward chatter. For everyone around us it was a class period that was most likely forgotten, but in the corner where we sat I could feel my mind racing. I had finally opened up to you, I let you hold my heart in your hand as my mouth like a recorded message repeated all the struggling thoughts inside my mind. Once I finished my body felt empty and as I looked at your hand where my missing piece lay I waited to see if you’d crush or nurture it. You held it softly but your face was confused, you didn’t want to hurt me but you didn’t know how to address this. Still, you sat there coddling my heart listening to me cry without tears. None fell but my eyes were glossed, tears only moments from dripping out like bubbles waiting to be given air to finally be free. Then, at that moment while I stared down hazy minded holding myself together you said to me, “you look pretty when you cry”. This statement, though unsettling to some and even to me at that moment who gave a laugh and questioned you, is a compliment I often remember. So weird, yet I found it interesting and almost romantic. In my most dejected state, when my hair falls like curtains, hiding my face. When my fingers curl into fists, my nails digging into my palms in hopes I’ll focus on the pain and not my fear at that moment. When my teeth sink into my bottom lip, and my shoulders tense, you find me beautiful? It made me laugh, you don’t really know how to compliment people yet it’s sweet you still try. Thank you, for your weird compliment. This one I enjoy.