He gave a quiet laugh that didn’t sound like one. “And do what? Sit here and watch you sleep?” The words hit harder than he meant them to. His face softened immediately, guilt flickering across his eyes. “I didn’t mean that.” She nodded, pretending it didn’t hurt. “I know.”
But later, as the nurse adjusted her IV and the lights dimmed, Clara replayed those words again and again. Sit here and watch you sleep. He didn’t want to be here anymore — not really. He wanted his life back. And part of her couldn’t blame him.