Riley's POV
I exhale heavily as I meet her concerned gaze. "They're bound to ask questions." My eyes drift downward as reality settles in. "I understand. Just explain that I'm departing but might not stay away permanently. If anyone wants to bid farewell, tell them to find me tomorrow morning. I've got too many preparations right now." The words taste bitter, dancing somewhere between deception and honesty. Her expression falters before she rises from her seat, crossing the space between us to envelope me in her embrace.
"I've always suspected you'd abandon me someday, but this hurts far more than I anticipated." Her confession hangs in the air as she releases me. I manage a weak smile, acknowledging the shared pain. She departs my room without another word.
