Twenty-two

She took a deep breath and Tristan frowned.

“You're breaking up with me?” he asked gloomily

“What? No, no. That's not it”

“Then what is it?” he asked, taking her hands in his. To his surprise, she burst into tears.

“Hey, you know you can tell me anything right?” he said as he pulled her in for a hug. She kept sobbing making him wonder what it was she had to say but he held her there, patting her back gently and reassuring her while she sobbed to her heart's desire.

“Is it that bad?” he asked and she nodded amidst sobs.

“Is it something that you think will make me angry?” he asked again and she nodded.

He sighed, closed his eyes, kissed her hair and sighed again.

“It's okay, whatever it is you want to say, it doesn't matter how terrible you think it is, I promise I won't get mad”

“You promise?” she sniffed, drawing out of his embrace to look him straight in the eyes.

“I promise!” he repeated.

She exhaled, wiped her face and opened her mouth to speak while he looked at her anxiously.