The argument starts off like so many others. You stand opposite Theo, your arms crossed over your chest, trying to keep it together. But this time, it feels different—heavier, final, like something’s about to break that can’t be fixed.

“This is what it’s always going to be, isn’t it?” you snap. “You judging me for something I can’t change.”

Theo looks down at the floor, his fingers twitching as if he’s struggling to keep himself from lashing out. “It’s not that simple.”

“Not that simple?” you repeat, stepping closer. “Ever since you found out I’m not fully pureblood, everything has changed! It’s like you can’t even look at me the same way. And you think I don’t see it? The way you avoid me when your father’s around, the excuses, the distance…”

He flinches at your words, his jaw tightening. “You don’t understand what it’s like,” he mutters. “My father… the expectations... the consequences…”

You feel the tears sting at the back of your eyes, but you fight them back. “I will never be good enough for you, will I?” your voice cracking despite your best efforts to stay strong. “No matter how hard I try.”

Theo’s eyes finally meet yours. The conflict inside him is apparent in every shaky breath he takes.

“I’m sorry,” he finally whispers. “Cara mia... I’m sorry.”

“S-Sorry…?” you say softly, feeling the tears you tried so hard to hold back begin to spill over. Theo swallows hard, and you can see the struggle play out on his face.

“Just say it, Theo,” you plead with him softly. “Just... say it.”

He hesitates, his lips parting but no sound coming out at first. His blue eyes flicker over you, tracing your face as if he’s trying to commit every detail to memory—the curve of your lips, the sadness in your eyes, the way your tears catch the light. It’s like he’s seeing you for the last time, and in some ways, he is.

“E' finita,” he finally breathes out, his voice barely above a whisper, the weight of those two words crushing everything left in your heart. “It’s over.”