Willow Creek adored Ethan. He volunteered at the soup kitchen, he helped old Mrs. Callahan with her groceries every Sunday, and he spent Christmas mornings dressed as Santa for the children at the hospital. But no one knew that Ethan often had to force himself out of bed just to face the day.

His coworkers at the bookstore marveled at his energy. "How do you stay so positive all the time?" one of them asked one afternoon. Ethan had smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting effortlessly, and replied, "I guess I just love life."

The truth was, Ethan didn't love life. He loved people. He loved their stories, their laughter, their quirks. But he didn't know how to let people love him back.