That night, Emily couldn't sleep.
Her mind drifted backward—years ago, to a night filled with promises.
He held her hand tightly.
"I'll come back," Ethan said. "I promise."
"Then why does this feel like goodbye?" Emily whispered.
He looked away.
Because some promises were made to be broken.
The next morning, Emily arrived early.
Ethan was already there.
"You're early," he said.
"So are you," she replied.
Silence stretched between them.
"Why did you leave?" she asked suddenly.
The question hung heavy.
Ethan's jaw tightened.
"I didn't have a choice."
"You always have a choice," Emily said quietly.
He looked at her then—really looked at her.
"And I chose to protect you," he said.
Her heart ached.
"By disappearing?"
"Yes."
She shook her head. "You don't get to decide what hurts me."
Something shattered in his eyes.
"Maybe I was wrong," he admitted.
It was the closest thing to an apology she would ever get.