I don’t think I’ve ever seen Maggie cry before.
“I pulled the emergency brake. The train stopped farther down the tracks. I grabbed my luggage and ran all the way back to the platform. Charles was still there bent over trying to catch his breath. And when he saw me…”
She wipes her eyes carefully with an embroidered handkerchief.
“He looked at me and said, ‘I can’t force you to stay, but I needed you to know I would’ve fought for us. And I’ll keep fighting for as long as it takes.’”
My throat tightens painfully.
“What did you do?”
“I stayed. And we had years of happiness together. Years I would’ve lost if I’d let pride make my choices for me.”
She leans toward me.
“That’s why I interfere in people’s lives sometimes. Why I arrange meetings and meddle and scheme. Not because I enjoy manipulation. Not because I’m cruel. But because I saw that train leaving once. I felt that terror in my chest. And if Charles hadn’t run after me… if I hadn’t pulled that emergency brake…”
Her voice breaks completely.
“I would’ve missed everything. Him. My children. My grandchildren. This entire life. All because I was afraid.”
She takes my hand.
Her grip is steady.
“Don’t make the mistake I almost made, Mary. Don’t let fear drive that train. Don’t leave because you’re hurting. Leave only if it’s truly what you want—not because it’s easier.”
Tears slide down my cheeks now too.
“But Finn… he doesn’t want me.”
“He thinks he doesn’t deserve you. That’s different.”
“How do you know?”
A knowing smile touches her lips.
“I know many things. But more importantly, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. The exact same way Charles used to look at me. Like you’re the only thing in the world that matters and he’s terrified to touch you in case you disappear.”
She squeezes my hand tighter.
“You can leave if you want. You can accept that job and build a beautiful life somewhere else. But do it fully aware of what you’re leaving behind. Do it with your eyes open. Not because you’re running.”
I pull my hand free and wipe at my face.
“That’s easy for you to say. Charles chased after you. He fought for you. Finn… Finn is saying goodbye without even trying.”
“Because he’s too afraid to ask you to stay. He honestly believes letting you go is the best thing he can do for you.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Men usually are when they’re in love.”
She rises and smooths her dress.
“I’ve told you everything I needed to tell you. The rest is up to you now, Mary. You have to make your choice.”
She reaches the doorway before turning back one last time.
