I never thought I’d see the day when Noah would be on his knees, head cast down, unable to meet my eyes. The sight hit me like a thunderclap. Suddenly, all the feelings I’d kept locked away these past months burst out at once. My anger melted away, leaving only a heavy sadness in its place.

“Why now, Noah? After all this time, why are you here?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You’re too late.”

He stared at me, but no answer came out. Did he have nothing more to ...