He had said he wasn't ready yet. This was too fast for him and there was still so much he wanted to do, places he wanted to see. He apologized as he let her hands fall to her sides, fighting back the shared pain as tears welled up in her eyes. She said nothing during his refusal of her. She merely stood in the hallway, not making a sound, tears leaving salty tracks down her cheeks and reflecting the light from the open door behind him. He raised hand as if to wipe one of the trails from her face, stopping halfway when a breeze ruffled through her hair, reminding him of the first day they had met in the park. She watched as the light and pain faded from his eyes. She knew a wall was being erected to protect himself from further aches. She half wished that she could do the same. He turned and picked up his belongings, everything fitting into two small duffel bags. He half glanced behind, about to say something more, then thought better of it and shook his head. He walked out the open door and into the bright and happy sunlight. She cried silently as he made his way down the short path to the taxi waiting for him, feeling that the day should not be so bright; that it should be dark with clouds and the threat of rain. The driver helped him load his bags into the trunk.
"I'll wait for you," she called out, stopping him as he was getting into the car. He looked back at her and smiled sadly, waving. She knew she would likely never see him again, that he wasn't coming back, but she would wait until forever came.
