It ends with a kiss on the cheek.
And as we hug, I'm crushed by the despairing realization that it's over. Everything we've been through, all that trust that we worked so hard to earn, that bond we forged… over.
And then, as he leaves I think to myself how I could have imagined it to be any different. He was brilliant, his tactics far too true and different to ever be recognized in this world. He was too cunning and smart to ever be genuinely realized. The truth is far too real and I find myself tearing on the insides. It was destined for this all along.
I watch him retreat to wherever, his destination unknown because everything we had has been destroyed and I forever will never know what he's doing next. My mind reels and I find myself walking over to the desk slowly. How could I put up with more of this? I haven't even been instated and I'm already falling apart.
As I tell the chief my choice, I can't help but feel vindicated. This was never for me, the captain would understand and even if he didn't it didn't matter. All that mattered is that I've hurt him and I can't deal with the guilt any longer.
I put down the phone and the pain slowly subsides to something liberating but I still feel the guilt and I look through the windows.
I'm so sorry, Bobby.