Kaylin was quiet for a while. This was their final meeting before she left for college. Her partner would stay here. She knew why. She knew between family, money, school — she knew so many things meant they wouldn’t go with her.

They had made the best decision out of the situation. She knew that. They would split. Go their separate ways. But now, even as the night lengthened, she couldn’t let go of their hand. It felt wrong. It felt like she was making a bad choice, even if she knew any other would be more painful.

“Come with me,” she asked softly. Begged. She knew it was impossible.