When we turned the corner, he veered so that his hand brushed mine, and I jerked away.You really don't like me, do you? he said.I don't know you well enough to say that.Easily fixed. What are you doing after school?
In this excerpt from Kelley Armstrong's "The Gathering," a moment of unexpected intimacy occurs when a character attempts to make a connection by intentionally brushing against another's hand. The reaction is one of surprise and withdrawal, highlighting a sense of discomfort or hesitation in the interaction. This reaction prompts a question about the dynamics of their relationship, revealing a sense of uncertainty.
The boy's statement, "You really don't like me, do you?" suggests he is aware of the tension, while the girl's response underscores a lack of knowledge about him, leaving the relationship undefined. His suggestion to meet after school offers a potential opportunity to bridge their unfamiliarity, pointing toward the development of their connection moving forward.
