"Okay," he says.
"They're pushing harder about returning," I continue, keeping my voice even. "There's an offer on the table. A promotion. Better pay. More responsibility. The kind of thing you don't usually get offered twice."
I hate the way it sounds when I say it out loud. Bigger. Heavier. More real.
He takes a slow breath, eyes on me. Waiting.
"I wanted to tell you because I didn't want it to feel like I was hiding anything." That's true. Mostly. "This isn't me saying I'm going. It's just—information. Something I have to think through."
"When do they need to know?" he asks.
My stomach twists. "Thursday."
He nods once. The silence stretches.
"I haven't decided yet," I say. The words come out softer than I expect. Careful.
He looks at me for a long second, his face going still in a way I don't recognize right away.
Not angry. Not hurt.
Closed.
"You're leaving," he says.
It's not a question.
It lands between us like something already decided, and for a split second I just stare at him, trying to figure out how we got there so fast.
"That's not what I said." I keep my voice steady, even when my chest tightens. "I said I haven't decided."
He doesn't move. Not closer. Not away. Just still. Arms folded now, weight shifted back onto his heels, like he's bracing for something he already sees coming.
"You're still deciding," he says quietly. "That tells me everything I need to know."
My stomach drops.
I shake my head. "I'm here. Standing right in front of you. I've been here. The ranch is working.We'reworking."
He doesn't argue. Doesn't move. Just looks at me like the conclusion's already drawn.
"I'm not doing this," he says.
"Doing what?"
"Negotiating my own ending."
The words hit like a slap.
"That's not—" I step toward him. "You're making it sound like I'm already gone."
"Aren't you?" He shifts his weight back. Creating space. "You're standing here telling me you haven't decided. That's the same thing."
"No, it's not. I just need—"
"Time." His jaw tightens. "I know."
"What's wrong with that?" My voice climbs despite myself. "I'm allowed to think things through."
