He stood frozen, breathing heavily, as she smiled sadly and simply walked away.

As if she hadn’t just ripped him apart. Torn his life into pieces. Peeled the tape off the shards of his shattered heart.

She loved him.

He should be happy. He should be kissing her right now, clutching her to his chest, his hands buried in that ridiculous coat of hers.

But all he felt was defeat.

He hadn’t known…hadn’t thought…

But he was with Karen now. He couldn’t just leave her. Hurt her.

He remembered his last words (“I…can’t.”) and went inside.

They sounded so familiar.