I don't respond. I can't. My heart is tied in knots.
Susan takes a deep breath. She approaches and takes one of my hands in hers.
"Go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a difficult day. But you still have time. Just remember… tomorrow she will leave.
She gives me a kiss on the cheek, warm and fraternal, and walks away without looking back, leaving me alone in the middle of the garden.
The night remains fragrant, but now it is also laden with decisions.
And I knew that at dawn, I would have to choose between continuing to run from love or running toward it again, with all the fear that entailed.
*****
Candace
The suitcase feels heavier than it should, and not because of its contents. Every step toward the door feels like a betrayal. To them. To myself. To him.
I woke up before anyone else.
