[ The silence between them is the most excruciating thing that she's had to tolerate, she thinks-- until the weight of finality in those final words bears down on her. Her breath quivers as she meets his eyes again. She isn't ready to, but she's always one to act before thinking. ]

I forgot, too. Somehow, I thought we'd always be together... even if part of me knew you'd leave me, I was too terrified to consider the possibility it could be true...

[ Her lips press to keep them from quivering, too. ]

It's selfish, but I don't... [ She swallows hard. ] I don't want you to go.