Ethan
A few days ago...
It wasn't what she said, it was how she said it.
I've spent days trying to convince myself that I'm exaggerating. That it was just an awkward conversation. That no one dies because of a refusal, but what left me breathless were not her words, it was her look.
Clara did not hesitate, she did not lower her voice, she did not soften the blow.
She didn't leave a crack open for me to say "maybe."
I expected that... Not a promise, not a statement, just a crack. A damn little crack for me to pass back into her life.
Something minimal that would allow me to think that, if I did things right this time, there would be a chance.
I'm a man used to doors not closing in my face.
If I don't go in through the first, I go in through the second. If they don't pick me right a
