I could see that she wanted me to soften. I didn't. Finally, she asked. Is there someone else? No.
Then why won't you let me try? Because this isn't about another woman. Then what is it about? It's about you. She stared at me.
You showed me exactly what you would do when someone from your past gave you another option. Her voice cracked. I made a mistake. You made a decision. She nodded slowly.
I understand. I don't think you do. She turned toward the stairs. Before she left, she stopped. Will you ever forgive me?
I thought about it. Eventually, she looked back. Does that mean there's hope? No. That answer broke something in her expression.
She nodded and walked away. I went back inside. For the first time, I understood that the hardest part wasn't refusing Marilyn. It was knowing that some part of me still wanted her, but wanting someone and trusting them were not the same thing. And I wasn't going to sacrifice my self-respect just because I still had feelings.
I didn't hear from Marilyn for almost 2 months. During that time, my life became quieter. I had settled into my apartment. I was working more, seeing Grant regularly, and spending weekends doing things I had stopped making time for during my relationship with Marilyn. I wasn't trying to replace her.
I was trying to stop measuring my life against what it had been. Then one Saturday morning, I received a call from Marilyn's sister, Sophie. I almost didn't answer. When I did, she sounded uncomfortable. Harry, I'm sorry to call you.
What happened? Marilyn is having a hard time. I closed my eyes. Is she okay? Yes, she's safe.
Then what do you need from me? She wants to see you. I've already spoken to her. I told her where I stand. I know.
There was a pause. She said she understands. Good. She also said she won't stop loving you. I didn't respond.
Sophie sighed. I know this isn't my place. It isn't. I just thought you should know. Thanks for telling me.
I ended the call. That afternoon, Marilyn showed up anyway. She didn't knock immediately. I saw her through the window standing beside her car. After a few seconds, she finally walked to my door.
I opened it. Why are you here? Because I needed to say something in person. You could have called. I know.
I stepped outside and closed the door behind me. She looked calmer than the last time I'd seen her. I've stopped asking you to take me back. Good. I understand why you won't.
I waited. She took a breath. When John proposed, I thought I was finally getting the future I had once imagined with him. I said nothing. I forgot that people change.
I forgot that relationships end for a reason. She looked at me and I forgot what I had with you. You didn't forget. She frowned. What?
You knew exactly what you had. You just believed you could come back if John wasn't what you expected. Her eyes dropped. You're right. That was the first time she had said it without defending herself.