The silence stretched so long it became something physical.
Heavy.
Sharp.
Almost impossible to breathe through.
I kept my gaze fixed on the floor because looking at her hurt more than I wanted to admit.
Every part of me was shaking.
With anger.
With grief.
With the kind of pain that comes when something you buried years ago suddenly claws its way back to the surface.
When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter than I had heard it before.
“You think I left because I wanted freedom.”
I didn’t answer.
Because right then—
I didn’t know what I thought anymore.
“You think I chose another life over you.”
Still I said nothing.
My jaw was clenched so tightly it hurt.
“I chose the only path that gave you a chance to live.”
My head snapped up.
Her gaze met mine directly.
No dist
