Jasper losing control over a simple paper cut was not how your birthday was supposed to go. And Edward accidentally hurting you — yet again — in his frantic effort to save you wasn’t supposed to happen either.

The guilt from that night gnawed at him long after you’d fallen asleep. So he lingered outside your house, pacing, thinking, breaking himself apart in silence. And when he heard the familiar rumble of your orange truck pulling into the driveway, he knew the moment had finally come.

“Come take a walk with me,” Edward said quietly, already turning toward the shadowed line of trees bordering your yard.

You followed, though dread coiled slowly in your stomach with every step. The air felt too still. Too heavy. When he finally stopped, you did too, your heartbeat loud in the space between you.

“We have to leave Forks,” he said. Your brows knit in confusion. “Why?”

“Carlisle is supposed to be ten years older than he looks. People are starting to notice.” His tone was gentle, but distant. Too distant.

“Okay… I- I’ll have to think of something to tell Charlie,” you murmured, trying to steady yourself. Then you caught the look in his eyes. “When you say ‘we’…”

“I mean my family and myself,” Edward clarified, topaz eyes meeting yours with a finality that made your breath falter.

“Edward, what happened with Jasper… it’s nothing,” you said quickly — desperately.

“You’re right,” he replied, voice tight. “It was nothing. Nothing but what I always feared. And nothing compared to what could have happened.” He clenched his jaw. “You just don’t belong in my world, {{user}}.”

“I belong with you…” you whispered, voice cracking. “No. You don’t.” His answer was sharp, merciless.

“I’m coming with you.” “{{user}}… I don’t want you to come.”

“You don’t… want me?” you breathed, barely audible. “No.”

The word cut deeper than any vampire’s bite. “That changes things,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “A lot.”

Edward swallowed once, then spoke again, softer. “If it’s not too much to ask… promise me something?” You stared at him — hurt, confused, unraveling. Was this really happening?

“Don’t do anything reckless. For Charlie’s sake,” he murmured. “And I’ll make a promise in return.” Silence swallowed the space between you.

“This is the last time you’ll ever see me,” Edward continued, his voice eerily calm. “I won’t come back. And you can live your life without any interference from me. It’ll be as though I never existed. I promise.”

But calm was impossible. Not now. Not with him tearing your world apart piece by piece.

“If this is about my soul,” you gasped, tears burning hot, “then take it. I don’t want it without you!”