When you said those three little words

My heart stopped

When you looked into my eyes

I felt exposed

You longing face was waiting

Just waiting

For me to say them back

I couldn't 

I thought for the longest time that I felt that way for the longest time

Without you by my side 

Putting your firm, but foster hand on my back

I felt empty, but I couldn't say those three words

Those three stupid words that meant so much

You said those words, you felt me tense

And you realized that I couldn't say I love you back