After that we casually dated a few times but it was near finals and neither of us had a lot of free time. Our 'dates' were generally simple and quick, you know, a bite to eat at a local Thai restaurant or a movie at the student union theater. Ashley was pleasant but I sensed she didn't want to get too close too soon. On the evening she was leaving for Christmas break, I gave her a box of special Christmas candy. She appeared to appreciate it but broke out in tears when she confessed she had nothing for me.

"Oh, Ky, that's so sweet, but I didn't get you...