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“You don’t have to” His face was as solemn as I’d ever seen it

“What? You’re leavingme to your contact list Of course I’ll be there” I simply couldn’t fathoain I’d never wanted to be in this position, but hell if I’d send hi less than an assurance that I’d be there

“Yeah, I a “But not because I want you to feel obligated or guilty I want you to have options and at least a small way to contact me”

“Thanks Knowing so, will help the wait And I will be there You can count on that” Wrapped up in the blanket, I left the bed to stand next to him and put a hand on his shoulder

“I don’t want to” His eyes were as hollow as his tone

“What do youon his shoulder “You don’t want me?”

“Of course I want you I’ to want you” He put a hand over mine

“Then what’s the probleive hi

“I knew going into this that eventually you’d need to say goodbye” His sigh echoed through the room

“But not now,” I protested Hell, si to suck No way could I cope with a per distance aside, I refused to break up moments before he had to deploy That wasn’t fair to him Or me, really

“It could be” He peered deep into oodbye, and what I’oodbye, I’m okay with that”

“Well, I’oodbye in any sense of the word This isn’t over I’m not done”

“You say that now” He s on my last nerve “And that’s why I added you to my contact list Because you should have the choice And that’s all I want Seeing me after I coation”