*Lena*

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

His shoulders shook with silent sobs, and my tears spilled over, running down my cheeks in hot, unrelenting streams. “Lena… why?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Is this why you left?”

The tears flowed freely, mingling with the blood and grime on my face. “Yes,” I confessed, my voice choking with sorrow. “I didn’t want you to see the monster I’d ...