Wendy was able to listen to Xavier’s secret thoughts. And this is what she heard.
Yes, the painting is very beautiful. But you are more beautiful than the Mona Lisa. I wish somebody would paint your picture. I would buy it and look at it all day. Alas, if only I had the courage to talk to you.
Wendy didn’t usually listen to other people’s thoughts. She thought it was rude, even though the other people didn’t know she was listening.
Besides, most people’s thoughts were usually boring.
Xavier was getting too nervous standing next to her. He moved on to another painting.
Wendy followed him.
She listened to the lonely man’s thoughts. They weren’t boring at all. Most of his thoughts were about her, but she also learned a few other things. He liked to read. His favorite author was Charles Dickens. He loved animals, especially dogs.
“That painting reminds me of a book,” said Wendy. “A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. Have you read it?”
“Yes!” Xavier blurted, a little too loudly. “It’s my favorite book! I’ve read everything Dickens has written. Twice. My favorite part is when—”
He suddenly stopped, very embarrassed.
“Please go on,” said Wendy.
“No, I don’t want to bother you,” said Xavier.
“You’re not bothering me,” said Wendy. “Charles Dickens is my favorite author. I sometimes read aloud to my dog.”
“You have a dog?” asked Xavier.
Wendy nodded.
Xavier stared into her dark eyes. “I love dogs,” he said, as his brain said, I love you.
Wendy and Xavier spent the afternoon together. He could hardly stop talking.
It was like a genie had escaped from a bottle. All the love and emotion that had been buried for so long inside him came pouring out on Wendy.
“I don’t even know your name,” he suddenly blurted.
“Wendy Nogard,” said Wendy.
“I’m Xavier Dalton,” said Xavier.
They shook hands and made plans to meet again at the museum the following week.
On her way home, Wendy stopped by the library and checked out A Tale of Two Cities. Then she went to the pet store and bought a dog.
A month later Xavier asked her to marry him.
Wendy didn’t know what to say. She loved Xavier. And she knew he loved her. But she still hadn’t told him about her ear.
The one on top of her head, I mean.
He knew about the other two. He had nibbled on each of them.
“Marriage is a big step,” she said. “I’m afraid we haven’t known each other long enough.”
“I’ve known you long enough to know I could never be happy without you,” said Xavier. “Before I met you, Wendy, I was sad and lonely. But I was used to it. Now I can’t imagine living like that again. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He stroked her hair