For once in my life, I have the audacity to look contrite.
"I know it was beyond selfish. I just... wanted to leave a little piece of me here with you."
More pregnant silence. It feels like Vesuvius about to erupt. I'm as helpless as Pompeii. Doomed to be entombed in the violent awakening.
"It was here this whole time?" Her breathy words make me flinch, bracing. I wait, archaic.
"You wanted to be with me this whole time." I'm stunned by the tone. She sounds... incredulous?
"Bella, I love you. I never, never wanted to leave you."