prompt: I can't
word count: 175
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
- Robert Frost, 'The Road Not Taken'
I Could Not Travel Both
She reached over and slipped her hand into his. Giving him a lopsided smile, she said, "Thanks for everything, Spaceman."
He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand, smile curling the corners of his mouth. "It's my pleasure, Donna Noble." He left out the word 'been' even though he knew he was losing her.
She held his gaze a few moments longer before her smile faded and she looked down at their joined hands, squeezing slightly. "I'm sorry about all this."
He was silent a moment. "So am I."
"You didn't deserve this."
He didn't reply.
She sighed, leaning against him and laying her head on his shoulder. She was warm and it made him think of all the mornings he'd lain awake while she slept, feeling her chest rise and fall against him, her fingers curled around his. Seemed a long time ago, now.
"I have to go," she said quietly.
"You don't. You can stay." Almost a plea.
"I can't. I have to go." She sighed. "Because I love him, too."