“Call it whatever you want,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears. “You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted. I’ll wait for you until my last breath.”

“Don’t wait,” I said gently, trying to make her let go of an impossible love.

“Have you ever thought about my feelings?” she asked, her voice breaking. “Have you ever loved me, even a little? Can’t you see how much I love you?”

She stepped closer, her hands trembling as they hovered near my chest, but I quickly ...