My hands are shaking. I curl my fingers into my palms, grounding myself in the sting.
I lift my eyes to his, take a breath that scrapes my lungs on the way in.
"I quit my job."
The words come out flat. No buildup. No cushioning. Just the truth, dropped between us like it can stand on its own.
Eli doesn't react. Not a flicker. Not a blink. His face stays exactly the same, guarded and still, like he's already decided this isn't real.
"Yesterday," I add. "I called Lauren and quit."
That gets something. Not surprise. Not relief.
"Why?"
It's not why did you quit. It's why are you standing here telling me this.
"Because I'm staying."
The words settle heavy in my chest. Solid.
"For how long?"
"Permanently."
His jaw tightens. "Until you change your mind."
"I'm not going to change my mind."
"You don't know that."
"I do." My voice is steadier than I feel. Stronger. Certain in a way I haven't been before.
"So you're staying for me."
"No."
He goes still. "No?"
"I'm staying for me. Because this is the life I want." I take a step closer. "You're part of that life. But you're not the reason."
"What's the difference?"
"If I stayed for you, I'd resent you eventually. Feel trapped. Like I gave something up and blamed you for it." I don't look away. "I'm not giving anything up. I'm choosing what I want."
His jaw works. "And what if what you want changes?"
"Then I'll deal with it. But I won't run from it."
He studies me like he's looking for the exit sign I used last time. "Why should I believe you?"
The answer comes from somewhere deeper than rehearsed words.
"Because I'm terrified right now." My voice breaks despite my effort to hold it. "And I'm still here. Standing in front of you, shaking, scared you're going to tell me I'm too late. That you're done. That I already lost you."
I swipe at my face, uselessly.
"And I'm still here," I whisper. "That has to count for something."
