29

CARLY

“Come with me. You can take a few days off.” I didn’t want to let him go. I was not ready yet. “Please?”

“You have to go and sort things out. And I’m not going anywhere.” He cupped my face and pressed his lips into mine. But it wasn’t enough. I needed him by my side.

“But I need you.” I felt like I want to cry again.

“I need you too, but you have things that need to be settled and done with your family. This is your chance.”

I looked away, tears welling in my eyes. “I can’t convince you, can I?”

“You don’t need to convince me. When things get better, the dust has settled, and you don’t have time to come and see me, I will visit you.”

“Visit me, huh?” My tears finally fell. “Why do I feel this is a goodbye?”

“No, sweetheart. This is just the beginning. I will be waiting for you. None of us is giving up. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” I nodded even if my heart disagreed.

“Good. Now go. Call me whenever you can. I’m going to miss you.” He kissed me again, the kind of kiss