"But I just wanted to say... I've been trying not to think about love, happiness, and the future – for a very

"But I just wanted to say... I've been trying not to think about love, happiness, and the future – for a very long time. But now, thanks to you, the shadows of my past don't own me any more. For years, I felt like I've been living with a noose around my neck, but now it's finally gone. You've told me before that I'm more to you than just a friend and companion. Please, tell me – is it still true?"