The word echoed through the room like a gunshot. "No."
Jacob's face contorted with pain, his eyes revealing a depth of emotion I hadn't seen before. He was trying, truly trying, to put me first. For the first time, he had set aside his arrogance and self-interest in favor of my well-being. I knew he genuinely cared about my recovery, but I couldn't force myself to be ready just yet.
Despite his feelings, he attempted to conceal them with a weak smile, failing miserably. There was no way to comfort him, so we settled into an uncomfortable silence.
After a while, Jacob left, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which began to spin wildly out of control.
The balcony, once a haven of peace, now felt suffocating. Despite the fresh air circulating around me, my breathing felt constricted.
Wit
