Jory met up with Ari at the Duck Pond. He had neatly wrapped the framed photo he had just created. He hoped she would like it.

“Hey, Ari,’’ he said after he spotted her sitting and throwing crumbs for the ducks. He sat next to her and gave her a one armed hug. He had also brought some bread for the ducks which he started to crumble into pieces. Instantly, a duck swam over. He had a feeling it was the same duck that followed him that day he was with Gwen here.

“Haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?’’ Jory asked throwing some crumbs into the pond. He was stalling giving Ari the photo. He didn’t know why, Ari was a good friend after all. “What if she doesn’t like it?’’ kept repeating in his head.

Ari and Jory chatted on for a while. Still Jory didn’t give Ari the present. Not wanting to wait until she asked why he had something wrapped up, Jory blurted out “I’ve got a present for you, Ari.’’

Ari looked surprised. “Its not occasion,’’ Jory replied to her question and bewildered look. “It’s just a little something to for you to remember. Especially after the trip.’’ Jory handed her the almost neatly wrapped present- he was no good at doing stuff like that.

He watched Ari pull off the paper, feeling even more nervous. For a while Ari just stared at the photo and Jory thought she hated it. “I…er made the frame myself. I hope you like it,’’ he told her, silently willing her to like it.

He waited for her reaction.