"You."
Roland says it in a vicious tone — one I've never heard from him before.
"Look, I don't know what your problem is with me," Kaelith replies calmly, "but I'm not here for you."
I'm frozen.
"Nyra, do you have a minute to talk?" Kaelith asks, turning his attention to me.
"Sure… that's fine," I say quietly.
I start to move around the counter — and suddenly my arm is grabbed.
"Don't go another step toward him."
"Roland, it's just for a minute. Let me go."
His grip tightens. It hurts.
I panic and wrench my arm free, running toward Kaelith. Roland follows, his larger frame shaking with rage, slower but relentless.
Kaelith steps forward instantly.
"Get behind me," his eyes say.
I do, peeking around his shoulder.
"I believe," Kaelith says evenly, "it is improper to put your hands on a lady like that."
Roland steps right into his space, their faces inches apart. Neither backs down.
"She is in my company," Roland snarls. "You fringe lover."
For just a second — I swear — Kaelith smirks.
"Seems to me," he replies coolly, "that she isn't in anyone's company. She's simply gracing her presence for someone who clearly doesn't deserve it."
That's when Roland snaps.
He roars and swings at Kaelith with his free arm.
I don't even see Kaelith move.
In one fluid motion, he catches Roland's fist and twists — suddenly Roland's arm is wrenched behind his back. A howl of pain tears from his throat.
"Kaelith, please — please stop!"
I can't bear to see Roland like this.
Kaelith releases him and gives him a light shove. Roland stumbles back, breathing hard, clutching his arm.
He looks at me, eyes wild.
"This is the man you choose," he says. "It's not fair."
He starts ranting, words tumbling over themselves.
"It's not right. I've loved you since we were kids."
His teeth bare like an animal's.
"Why? Why, why, why don't you love me like I love you?"
I barely recognize him.
I step out from behind Kaelith. He glances back at me sharply.
I shake my head.
He moves aside, letting me stand in front of him.
"Roland," I say, my voice shaking, "I do care about you. As a friend. I always have."
A single tear slips down my cheek.
"But I can't feel the same way you do. And I am truly sorry."
"Sorry?" he whispers.
Then he screams.
"SORRY IS THE BEST YOU HAVE FOR ME?!"
I look down, tears spilling freely now.
Kaelith steps forward again.
"Roland, was it?"
"Don't say my name."
"Regardless of how you feel," Kaelith continues, unwavering, "no one owes you their feelings. No one owes you love. They are their own person."
He glances back at me briefly.
"For the sake of your friendship, leave for today. Let your emotions calm."
Roland advances again, fury rolling off him.
"Don't tell me what to do after all I've given her."
"Stop. Please."
He freezes at my voice.
"Kaelith is right," I say softly. "Just… go home."
He looks at me, hurt carved deep into his face.
"You're choosing his side? Over someone who's been there for years?"
I shake my head, meeting his eyes through tears.
"I'm choosing my own side. You're still my friend — but we both need to heal. Please… just go."
He exhales, shoulders sagging. Defeated.
As he turns to leave, he points at Kaelith.
"This isn't over."
Then he's gone.
Kaelith turns to me.
"Are you okay?"
"No," I answer immediately. "I'm not."
He nods.
"I understand more than you know."
He guides me to one of the tables in my shop, sits me down, and wraps a blanket around my shoulders. After a few minutes, he returns with a glass of hot tea.
I sip it slowly.
Roland… a friend. Or maybe not anymore.
"I meant what I said," Kaelith says quietly.
"About what?"
"Your feelings are your own. You don't owe anyone love. Or anything."
He sits across from me.
"That includes me."
We sit in silence for a while. I drink my tea. The tears finally stop.
"Do you want me to leave?" he asks gently.
"No," I say too quickly.
He pulls a chair closer and wraps his arms around me. His warmth seeps through the blanket.
And we stay like that — until I'm ready.