Chapter VI. Ruby Fall From Grace

A million yesterdays ago

With the passionate bravado

Of an inexperienced heart

I made this vow:

To be always secure

To give nothing away

To stand proud alone

To never love too much.

I would never apologize.

I would never beg.

And nobody would ever have

that much control over me.

I would say goodbye.

I would leave.

I would break the hearts.

No man would ever make me cry.

How the mighty have fallen.

Now I know.

Love kills.

It rips you apart.

It leaves nothing untouched.

It allows no room for pride.

It possesses completely.

It teaches mercilessly.

And unless you are that strong,

it can leave you with

nothing but ashes.

The one thing you are left with

Is the bittersweet truth

That his happiness matters

more than your own.

But even so,

I never dreamt

That love could ever hurt

this much.

Truly,

ONLY love

Can break your heart.