Almost involuntarily, her fingers caress my cheek, trying to memorise me. I smile for her because I must be strong. In this moment, she has never needed her champion more.
"You can always stay."
The words come from another, voicing what she will never say. She's not too proud to beg, I drew that from her lips last night. But as in all important things, she believes there lies a choice. One she will not make for me, no matter how I yearn to be swayed by her pleas.
She smiles and I see everything she wants.
I will return.