I enter my room, dejected and on the verge of crying. I can’t leave Alice. She is my life, and I can’t hurt her again. I made a promise to her – I would never abandon her, and I’ll never break it.

As Alice sees me, she rushes to me. “Alexander, what happened? Why do you look so gloomy?” As she notices my sadness, she enquires, her voice laced with deep concern.

I can’t control my emotions and burst into tears in front of her, startling her with my sudden ...