“I have thought at length,” he begins, “and I would have responded much the same way had I experienced what you experienced. I can’t blame you for it.”
I think this is supposed to help, but it doesn’t.
“I have a proposal,” he continues. “But we should discuss it with Fiona.”
Proposal? I can’t imagine he has an idea that will solve this problem. So I wave him off and get to my feet.
“I am going to go pack. My time here has ended.”
Shathar watches me with a furrow in his brow as I get up out of my chair and leave the kitchen, heading up the stairs.
I’ve made my decision. If I tell myself that it’s for Fiona’s sake, for the happiness of my mate, perhaps I can move on. Though I know I never will.
I stay in my room all day, packing up each item I brought with me until my bags are full and my room is empty. Then I fall back on the bed, wishing this stupid planet would swallow me whole.
In the evening, there comes a knock at my door. I hear Fiona’s voice.
“Khesan?”
I don’t move or speak. I can’t trust myself.
Eventually, the knob turns and the door opens, and Fiona lets herself inside. Her eyes are red, as if she has been crying. I sit up quickly, distressed.
“Are you all right?” I ask, wondering if Shathar has hurt her in some way.
“No.” She seats herself on the edge of my bed. “I’m not. You want to leave.”
I nod slowly, rising to a sitting position. I can’t say the words aloud.
Tears pool in her eyes, and now I know why they are red. A few trickle out, sliding down her cheeks.
“Really?” she asks, hoarse. “But…”
I merely shake my head. “There is no other answer.”
“There must be!” Fiona is crying now. “I don’t want to say goodbye to you, Khesan!”
“But it will make your life easier.” I try to smile. “Now you will not have to choose.”
Her tears only run faster, and her voice cracks as she says, “Nothing will be easier if you leave. I’ll always wonder about you. I’ll always regret saying goodbye.” She bows her head. “But… I also understand.”
I put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her, when I hear Shathar’s voice.
“So, are either of you ready to hear my idea?”
He stands in the doorway, arms crossed.
I sigh. “Sure.”
“The problem is that Fiona and I were alone together, is it not?” he asks.
I nod. “Wondering what is happening behind a closed door… that I can’t stand.”
“Then I suggest that we not be alone.”
I tilt my head at him. “Clarify.”
“Would it set your mind at ease if you knew? If you saw what was happening, instead of wondering?”
