It has been almost two weeks since I woke up from my unconscious state.

My body, already in decline prior to this, had now deteriorated further, leaving me so weakened that even the act of cycling to school could leave me completely drained.

Because of that, I couldn't go to school as my parents had to completely reorganise their daily schedule. They work a lot of late hours, and that makes it difficult for them to get up in the morning to take me to school.

Actually, the doctors also suggested to my parents that I should take at least around ten days of rest before resuming my usual activities like school and... Well, nothing else.

Each day, I feel like I'm becoming a heavier weight for my family.

I received news from Yuigahama. She said that the club had continued its activities without me. Isshiki came less often to the club because of the Student Council.

It seemed like everything went back to normal.

Almost.

It was only on the surface that things looked the same.

Without any surprise, I also asked her about Yukinoshita.

And according to her, whenever she attempted to steer the conversation towards me, Yukinoshita consistently evaded the topic by deviating the subject matter to something entirely unrelated to me.

I concluded that I had become a taboo matter within the Service Club now.

I don't blame her at all; she didn't want to talk about me, and I understand it.

At least, I know she seems fine.

"We've arrived, Hachiman." The voice of my mother snapped me out of my thoughts as I realized that we'd already reached the school.

Today was my first day of school since the last incident.

"Hey, relax. Just go peacefully. I'm sure your friends will jump in joy when they'll see you." My mother placed her hand on my shoulder, reassuring me.

"I hope so."

I unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out of the vehicle, the gravel beneath my feet crunching as I made my way around the car towards the school gates.

"Be careful out there. See you later!"

"See you." I waved at my mother as I headed to the school gates.

To be honest, my heart is beating faster right now. I'm not stressed about seeing Yuigahama and Isshiki whom I already met before. What I was most afraid of was Yukinoshita.

I took a deep breath as I stepped inside the school building, it wasn't the moment to get my heart to pulse that quickly as I just got here.

I made my way through the school hallways, the familiar sounds of groups of students chatting and hanging out filling the air. As usual, I kept a low profile, trying to blend into the background. But this time, something seemed amiss, a subtle shift in the atmosphere that set my senses on edge.

I couldn't help but notice that I was receiving more gazes than usual. It's not like I typically receive any looks at all.

Initially, I tried to brush it off, telling myself it was just my imagination and that maybe they weren't actually looking at me. But no matter where I went, the weight of their stares followed me. It was as if I had unwittingly become the center of attention.

"Hey, did you see? That's him..."

"So he's back..."

"Poor guy..."

"I wouldn't like to be in his situation..."

The murmurs of the students surrounding me grew louder as they whispered to each other, the intensity of their gazes increasing. I could sense their pity and anxiety in the way they looked at me. It was as if they were observing a wounded animal struggling to stand.

I don't have a really good feeling about the way I'm welcomed here.

And why are they saying such things?

As I entered my classroom, the usual lively chatting and spirited atmosphere abruptly ceased, replaced by a palpable tension. The gazes of my fellow students were fixed upon me, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Hikigaya is back..."

"What should we do?"

Acting as if I were unaware of their words, I took my seat at my usual place.

I don't get what's going on here and why everyone looks and whispers about me as if I were the main character of the room, but the more I hear of them, the more I think about that one possibility of what might have happened.

"Hey Hikitani-kun, that's true that you're gonna die?!" Tobe suddenly popped up in front of my desk, his loud voice attracting the attention of everyone present in the classroom.

Where did he get that information from?

"Oi Tobe! You were too direct!" One of his friends came to scold him.

"But everyone's been talking about it recently, so I wanna know."

Everyone?

Is he saying that this information got leaked?

I looked around, and it seemed that Yuigahama wasn't here yet. So, I'll have to take care of that alone.

"Well... First, who told you this?"

Knowing the source of this rumor would be a good start.

"I don't know, but we don't care. Now you're here, so tell us if that's true or not." Tobe persisted.

I wasn't going to figure out what the source of this was.

"So, you've really got a heart disease?" His friend asked once again.

Normally, I would have refuted their words, but what was the point in doing so now? My inner circle was already aware of my situation, and the fact was, I only had a few months left before I...

You know what.

So, there was no use in denying the truth any longer.

I sighed and finally confirmed the rumor.

"Yes, that's true."

Their gazes widened in stunned disbelief, their jaws falling slack as they took in the revelation.

"Ehhh?"

"Oh my god!"

None of them bothered to hide their surprise, their shocked eyes darting back and forth as they exchanged glances, their bewilderment evident in their expressions.

Just a few times ago, my existence had been largely ignored, yet now, as I faced a terminal illness, it seemed as if everyone suddenly acted as if I mattered to them. How peculiar.

In the corner of my view, I noticed that Kawasaki was also in a state of shock. She was not as noisy as everyone else, she was simply staring at me, her lips slightly parted.

"S-So... That's for real... Hachiman..?"

This voice...

I know it.

Please don't talk like this. Don't speak with that cracking tone. You're really making it hard for me to handle.

"I never knew you were going through such a thing..." He said, moving his hands to cover his mouth as tears welled in his eyes.

"I'm sorry..."

My gaze settled on my friend, the one who had truly cared for me from the very beginning. As I observed his once cheerful countenance slowly give way to a look of abject depression, my heart grew heavy. It was incredibly painful to watch.

"I know I should have told you and-"

"It's okay... I understand that it must have been something hard to share to people, I know how you are, after all. I don't blame you for it... Though, I'm still so sad..."

I wish I didn't have to see such a side of Totsuka.

Of all people, this guy deserves only constant happiness.

But we live in a cruel world, unfortunately.

The others still observing the scene decided to step in the conversation, bombarding me with questions.

"Since when you're ill?"

"Does your heart hurt right now?"

"Have you ever had a heart attack?"

"Does heart attack hurt?"

What is that stupid question?

And don't ask me several questions at the same time.

"Guys, I understand your curiosity, but I think we should give him some space." Hayama's voice suddenly emerged.

He just arrived in the classroom with Yuigahama.

The group that was previously surrounding me walked to him, allowing me to catch my breath and be saved from the interrogator.

"Hayato-kun, did you hear this? Hikigaya is..."

Hayama acted as a shield to keep people from bothering me. I suppose, I should feel grateful for his intervention. At least, the noisy people were away from me now.

While the whole group was distracted, Yuigahama discreetly came to me.

"Hello, Hikki. You're okay?"

"I'll need some explanation for this whole hassle."

"I honestly don't know how the news spread so quickly. It seems like it's been spreading through word of mouth."

I guess the incident caused quite a stir.

"...You'll go to the club after class?"

"Yeah, I have to."

The teacher arrived in the classroom, calling out for everyone's attention.

"The lesson is starting. Please, everyone, regain their seats."

The room fell into a steady hush, a comforting silence filling the air as the whispers and chattering faded away.

"A lot happened, didn't it, Hikigaya?" Hiratsuka-sensei said, lighting her cigarette.

As soon as the last bell rang, my teacher called me. I was expecting it the moment my eyes met hers as she entered the classroom.

"I didn't expect the whole campus to know about it, though. Even among teachers, your name became the main subject of conversation now."

"Well, I did become quite popular."

"Not for long."

"..."

"Anyway, I believe you might know the reason why I brought you here."

Hiratsuka-sensei had contacts with my parents during the time I was absent. So, she probably knows every detail of my current condition.

However, there is another kind of detail she might not know, and it's about how I'm managing with my relationships. It doesn't only include Yuigahama and Yukinoshita, it's probably about everyone I'd consider close to me.

"I have my own idea about it."

"I'll go straight to the point. Apologizing won't be enough."

I know that.

I knew that expecting a simple apology to rectify the damage between us would be naive. It would take more than words alone to mend the damage, it would require even more heartfelt words and meaningful actions.

Although I didn't know what kind of actions and words I'd have to use.

I was never good at this kind of thing, and the time I was given to get ready for this wasn't enough.

I was aware of only one thing. I will need to be genuine.

"You caused deep wounds to both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita, the injuries being more visible on Yukinoshita from the exterior."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll reveal to you one thing I am not supposed to tell the students. Yukinoshita's grades have gone down in the last week."

My eyes widened.

"And the other teachers recalled a sudden lack of focus during lessons. They concluded that she wasn't having enough sleep. But I suppose, this is not the only reason, is it, Hikigaya?"

Her unexpected admissions caught me off guard. Yukinoshita's productivity at school had taken a noticeable hit, and I was surprised to see how deeply my health issues had impacted her.

It was even undermining her school performance. It was unlike her to be so consumed by a personal matter, to the extent that it robbed her of healthy sleep.

There is no end in sight to the ceaseless, ever-expanding guilt that weighs heavily upon my heart.

"This is my fault..."

"No Hikigaya..." She gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "As I said, it was unavoidable. You are ill, and it couldn't be helped. Yukinoshita's profound affection for you, this is also something out of our control."

Could my desire to stay involved with her be helped? I'm not quite sure.

I thought I could prevent that, I always thought so but I never managed.

I found myself gradually falling into the abyss, surrendering fully to the emotions that welled within me. I allowed my heart to beat in time with hers, submitting to the irresistible pull of our connection.

"What should I do now? I'm desperate, Sensei. I feel ashamed to admit it, but I feel like... If my link with Yukinoshita totally tears apart, what will I be left with? No, I can't stand it. I'd rather die soon-"

Hiratsuka-sensei pulled her cigarette away, placed both her hands on my shoulders and pulled me closer to her.

"Hey, calm down. It isn't over yet."

I felt a warm, wet sensation trickle down my right cheek, slightly tickling my skin. I reached up to brush it away, and when my fingers came back damp, I realized it was...

Tears?

Ah, it's uncharacteristic of me to become so emotional in front of my teacher. However, the overwhelming emotions coursing through me right now left no room for embarrassment.

Hiratsuka-sensei helped me wiping my tear away with her own soft hand.

"It's okay. I know it is hard for you. I can't imagine how... scared and sad you're feeling inside. So, that's why, I will support and help you. That is my duty as your teacher." Her voice was soft and gentle as she spoke, her face filled with genuine concern and care. Her touch was gentle and soothing as she tried to comfort me.

"You have only one thing to do, Hikigaya."

One single thing.

During the limited time I have, there's only one thing I want and have to do.

"I know."

She then let go of me.

"You know, I can't count how many times I've scolded you in the past."

My gut can.

"But I don't know if I've ever praised or congrulated you once." She said, turning around to face the window. "So, I hope I'll have the occasion soon. You're my favorite student after all, I care about you very much."

I don't think a teacher is supposed to say that.

I'm talking about the favorite student part, even though I won't mind it. As for the last part, it's only normal for a teacher to care about their students, I guess.

"Thank you, Hiratsuka-sensei." I said, bowing. "Thank you for everything you've done."

She looked at me, a smile curving on her lips.

"Don't mention it, I was... just doing my job."

I could see the subtle tremble of her eyes as she looked at me. Like me, she is getting emotional. It shows that she meant every word that left her mouth.

Well, I guess she did an excellent job.

I faced the door of the teachers' room, feeling more resolute than ever before to move forward. My conversation with Hiratsuka-sensei had been refreshing and strangely cathartic. I couldn't quite put my finger on why, but showing a glimpse of vulnerability to her didn't feel out of place. In fact, I didn't regret it at all.

As soon as I stepped forward, I felt two hands resting on my shoulders from behind, holding me back. Her fingers gently caressed me.

"Let me ask you this before you go..."

"Go ahead, Sensei."

"How was your youth so far?"

"I think that... At least, my last year was not a lie at all."

She chuckled and leaned closer.

"If your past self from the beginning of the year could hear this..."

How embarassing it feels to be reminded of something like this. That's unfair, Sensei.

"Ah, well. I should let you go now. Be careful, Hikigaya."

I stood before the door to the Service Club's room, completely alone, the only sounds reaching my ears being the erratic palpitations of my own rapid heartbeat. I stood there, inhaling several deep breaths in an attempt to soothe the frenzied rhythms within my chest.

Yukinoshita was there, just behind this door. I only needed to push it open to see her sitting and sipping her tea.

My hand was tightly gripping the handle of the door; hesitant but determined, I finally pulled it and opened the door.

Their eyes were on me as I entered.

My and her eyes met, my gaze locking with hers. Her deep sapphire irises widened a fraction as they met mine. She finished sipping her tea and gently placed her cup back on the table, her delicate fingers slow and controlled. Her soft, rosetinted lips parted delicately, struggling to utter my name.

As for me, I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from her, forcing myself to resist the almost magnetic pull to admire her beauty that I had sorely missed for over a week.

The silence kept hanging in the air as we continued to stare at each other, none of us daring to break the silence. Even Yuigahama who was also here, only watched our reunion.

"H-hum... I'm back." I finally put an end to the palpable silence.

"...Glad to see you awake and... well." She then said.

It felt kind of awkward right now. But I guess that was how it was supposed to happen.

I then took my seat on my usual chair, the one that is a few meters away from the girls.

"Have I missed anything?" I asked.

"Miura-san asked us to teach her how to make chocolates for Valentine's Day."

Valentine's day.

I completely forgot about it while I was alone in my house. It happens on the 14th of February, so it's already passed.

"Especially since she wanted to give some to Hayato, but unfortunately he doesn't accept chocolates." Yuigahama said.

"You still taught her?"

"Well yeah, at least Yukinon mostly did."

"It felt so different from teaching you." Yukinoshita retorted to Yuigahama.

"Hey Yukinon, that's mean!"

The little discussion went on. The slight feeling of awkwardness could just never leave me. We didn't mention anything about my illness or whatever's related to it, Yukinoshita seemed to purposefully avoid asking me how I've been doing since I woke up.

It would be wrong to directly suppose she didn't care, I think she quite does. In this moment, even I didn't bother to talk about it and simply followed the mood of the conversation.

"Since we're talking about chocolates..." Yuigahama abruptly interjected, her fingers nervously toying with the fabric of her school bag. "Actually, I've also made some myself, though I had a little help from my mom."

"Good, they should be edible then." Yukinoshita commented.

Yuigahama unzipped her school bag and reached inside, carefully extracting a small, dainty bag filled with homemade chocolates.

"So... I wanted to offer them to you, Hikki." She admitted, looking at me with an intense gaze. "It's just to... to celebrate your awakening."

Someone had to bring it up, I guess.

As Yuigahama brought up my awakening, a subtle change flickered across Yukinoshita's expression. It was so slight that only the most attentive would notice.

Yuigahama rose silently and walked over to me, placing the bag of chocolates on the table before quietly retaking her seat.

"...Thank you."

"You're welcome. I really put my heart into it. So, I hope you'll like them." Yuigahama smiled at me.

If we look at the appearance of the chocolates, they don't look wasted. So that's a good sign. Yuigahama's chocolates usually look like they've been burnt in hell.

Here they're presentable.

Since I missed Valentine's day, I thought I wouldn't receive anything, but seeing this today managed to lighten up my mood a little bit.

Thank you, sincerely, Yuigahama.

I darted a subtle glance at Yukinoshita, noticing that her eyes were fixed on her own school bag near her, her expression clouded with uncertainty.

"I'll cherish everything I will be offered by you from now on and until my last breath." I slightly bow to them.

"Please, don't talk like that..." Yukinoshita's soft voice rose, revealing a hint of vulnerability.

I and Yuigahama looked at her, and we both saw the struggle that was appearing on her face to keep her composure.

"Yukinoshita... I know I-"

"Stop. I've heard enough of this tone of fatality you're using, Hikigaya-kun." Her fists clenched on the table, her eyes piercing right through my gaze.

I felt like the coldness from outside penetrated inside the clubroom in that moment.

"The situation I'm in pushes me to use it. I can't help it."

"So that's it. You're just going to carry on without thinking about how you're hurting other people's feelings?"

I took it right into the heart. I don't think my answer was the best to use right now, it only got her more upset.

"Yukinon! Hikki's just trying to-"

"It's okay, Yuigahama. I knew what I had to expect."

I was all too aware that this dispute would be mine and Yukinoshita's alone. I was aware that it wouldn't bring her any joy to observe us quarrelling, but at that moment, if harsh words were to be directed at me, I knew I would deserve each and every one of them.

"Listen, I sincerely regret lying to you and downplaying how bad I was actually doing all this time. I know I have hurt your feelings, I was a fool."

"Don't think you'll get away with a simple apology this time. You have fooled me with that one too many times already..."

She's right, I did so.

As Hiratsuka-sensei said, an apology won't be enough.

I had to do one thing...

I needed... to be genuine.

"If we don't fix what have been broken between us, we'll bitterly regret it."

"We? You're the one who needs to fix what you've broken."

"And what am I supposed to do alone? You know my time is limited, Yukinoshita."

Her eyes flinched, as if each time I mentioned anything related to my imminent demise caused a hidden pain to well up within her.

"I know it too well, Hikigaya-kun... That's why I... I can't..." She reached to cover her mouth with her hand and stood up.

"Yukinon?"

"Sorry, I need to..." She didn't finish her sentence as she directly walked out of the clubroom with her school bag.

I didn't know if she just needed to go to the bathroom or if she had the intention to leave and never come back today.

Though if she really just wanted to go to the bathroom, I don't think she would have needed to bring her school bag with her, unless it was for 'girls business.'.

"Where did she go?" I asked as I got up from my chair.

"She left the keys on the table..." Yuigahama answered, taking the keys.

"I'll go look for her." I said, heading towards the door of the clubroom.

"Wait, what if she went to the bathroom?" Yuigahama also stood up.

"You'll go there; if she is in the bathroom, text me. I'll search everywhere else."

The last time Yukinoshita showed such a reaction, she ran to the school's roof to isolate herself. This is the first place I'm going to see.

"Hikki..."

I turned one last time to her.

"...I count on you."

I nodded and left the clubroom.

As soon as I moved to a more crowded part of the school building, I restarted to hear and feel all those whispers and looks at me, reminding me of my current condition and how pitiful I looked.

But this didn't matter right now. I had to reach the roof as quick as possible.

I navigated through the corridor, stealing a glimpse out the window. The sight that met me was rain falling from the sky, drenching everything in sight. A realization hit me. I didn't have umbrela.

Great.

Within the span of a few seconds, my feet carried me to the entrance of the rooftop, and with a single additional stride, I stepped into the open air.

As soon as I stepped outside, the first thing to greet me was the sensation of a few drops of rainwater gently pitter-pattering onto my head. But after that, the scene that captured my full attention was her. The breeze caressing her hair made her strands flutter, and her melancholy eyes were fixed on the landscape before us.

She didn't seem to have noticed my presence yet, showing how deep she was lost in thoughts.

I stepped forward, but I became close enough for her to notice my presence.

"Your sister visited me the night after I had woken up." I broke the silence.

This new information was unknown to her until now. At least it got her attention.

"..."

"Yukinoshita, you are not guilty, you know that?"

"There is no use in denying it. I did cause this heart attack back then."

You're wrong; you simply wanted to clean a harmless stain.

"I had the possibility to prevent it."

"I insisted when you tried to refuse."

"I still could push you away, but what have I done? I let it happen."

As her elegant form pivoted to face me, her expression remained an intricate blend of sorrowfulness and remorse, not fully resolving into any particular emotion.

"...Why didn't you tell us?"

"I was scared, Yukinoshita."

Her eyes sombered.

"Scared of what? Of how I and Yuigahama-san would have reacted to it? What did you expect us to do?"

"Exactly what you're doing right now."

I didn't find any better way to explain it than this.

"I don't understand... You do realize that you only worsened it by trying to reassure us with lies? With fake smiles?" Her tone took a harsher turn.

"I do know."

Yukinoshita pressed her lips together, her brow furrowing deeply. She took a step closer to me, her knuckles turning white from the force with which she was clenching her fist. It was like the kind of scene that you'd expect to see in a drama, where the love interest is about to deliver a slap to the protagonist for some foolish mistake they've made.

Was I going to receive a slap right now?

"The foolish one here was me. I made the mistake of believing you, of falling for these heartwarming smiles of yours, of thinking I could make you open up to me... To be genuine with me..."

"Yukinoshita..."

"No, I know. You're going to give me some other excuses. But they won't repair the chaos you caused in my feelings, Hikigaya-kun."

Her words struck me with the force of a barrage of bullets, each one puncturing my chest and directly targeting my weakened and already tattered heart.

"Please listen to me."

"No, you listen to me, you've been pretending to for too long already. Each time I tried to help you, you never listened. I made so many efforts because I cared about you. I cared so much... that it's destroying me now..." Tears welled in her eyes, her hand slowly moving towards my chest, precisely the area where my heart is located, before stopping it a few inches from me.

"Your heart must hurt, right? But that wasn't a reason to share the pain with me, to make my own heart hurt as much..." Her hand moved to her own chest as it rested there.

She closed her eyes, trying not to let her tears fall.

I couldn't answer anything to what she was saying. I understood why she felt that way; that's the consequence of my past actions, and I must assume them now, even if it pains me to death inside.

My gaze lowered as the rain slowly intensified.

"Today's club activities are over... I believe I left the keys in the clubroom. Now, I'm going." She walked past me, entering back into the building and leaving me standing there as the rain little by little dashed me.

It hurts.

I wasn't slapped, not physically. But the emotional blow was real. The warm drops of rain confirmed the cruel reality of the pain I felt deep inside.

I looked up at the sky, my mind replaying the harshness of her tone and the mercilessness of her words that were thrown at me, all while thinking that I deserved them.

I continued to stare at the sky like this, not caring about the rain anymore.

"Hikki!" Someone's voice snapped me out of my trance.

I lowered my head, my gaze landing upon Yuigahama who had come here.

"Yukinoshita's gone..."

"I know that. I've been waiting for you, you've stayed here that long?"

"Maybe."

"Let's go back inside before your uniform gets even more wet."

I followed Yuigaham back inside the building.

"Hey, Hikki are you okay?"

I can't say I am okay right now.

"Honestly, I don't know."

"Please stop doing that face, it's scaring me..." Yuigahama said, tugging at the edge of my sleeve.

I'm sorry, but at this point it's really become a struggle to control my expressions.

"Do you have the keys to the clubroom?"

She nodded.

"Go give them to the teacher. I think we should go home too."

"And Yukinon?"

"She left, this is useless now. I tried, but... it's over. She must hate me right now."

"Don't ever say such a thing, Hikki!" She exclaimed, her eyes filled with mixture of many emotions. "Yukinon would never hate you!"

"But she does."

I saw the gleam in her eyes, I can see it better than anyone else.

"That isn't true, Hikki... You know that..." Yuigahama's voice cracked more and more as she continued to speak.

"I think I should... leave the Service Club."

Yuigahama's eyes widened in disbelief; her visage mirrored a mix of bewilderment, shock, and sadness. Her fingers slowly released their grip on my sleeve, and she simply stared into my eyes, seeking to ascertain if I was being completely serious about it.

But the fact is, I think this is the only thing I've got left to do at this point. If I stay here, I'll remind her every day of my presence and the pain I caused and will cause to her.

So if I want her to have no more pain from me, what I have to do is... leave the club for good.

"You can't be for real... I don't believe it..."

"I know I've lied a lot in the past, but I've made a decision to stop.. I'm serious about leaving this club."

"But the Service Club won't be the same without you..."

Please, Yuigahama, don't make it harder for me.

"In my current state, I will be more of a bother than a help to the club."

Her pupils trembled, reflecting all the emotions that have been swirling in her mind.

"Yukinon will never approve."

"I'm quite sure she will. My presence is not needed there. And I know that you two will manage just fine without me."

Yuigahama suddenly raised her hand, forming it into a fist before hitting my chest with it. She didn't hit very hard, but enough to make me feel her disapproval about my decision.

"Idiot... It isn't about being useful to the club or not."

"You're right. But when I said that I would be a bother, I didn't only talk about my ability to help with the requests."

"You really think Yukinon does hate you now..?"

"Truth's always been cruel. I have to adapt to its cruelity; that's how I always did."

Welcome to real life.

"No... I can't accept it."

"Sorry, Yuigahama. But I don't think I even deserve to step in the clubroom anymore."

The more her expression deteriored, the more my heart was aching, forcing me to reconsider what I'm about to do. There is no point in arguing with Yuigahama right now.

All I will earn if I continue will be more hesitation.

"..."

She stood there in silence, a somber air hanging between us. I took her lack of response as an end to the conversation and proceeded to step forward, moving past her.

"Tell Yukinoshita that I'm sorry once again and that I will no longer hurt her."

The distance between me and Yuigahama slowly increased with each step forward I made.

I'm not happy with the turn the events are taking, but I can't think of any better choice than this. My fate is already all traced, so I should probably better leave the club and leave Yukinoshita alone.

It'll be more beneficial to her that way.

There's one thing I won't allow to happen at any cost; it is to get her youth ruined by me. That's why...

I have to disappear from her life, let myself be an old sad memory in her life that she will eventually forget about, and move on...

I hate it, but my opinion doesn't matter anymore. I must do that for her.