My voice choked with emotion every time I thought of Stacey's face. "She even wished to be with the stars so you could see her shining. You were so focused on your sunshine, Lalaina, who was right beside you when everything was fine. You forgot about your daughter, who became the light during your darkest times."
I saw tears forming in his eyes. "I-I'm sorry..."
"It's too late now, Max. She's gone."
"Carrie..." He reached for me, but I pulled away.
"Don't make excuses, Max. I'm done listening."
I turned and walked towards the gate, my luggage in hand. Max followed me.
"Carrie, don't leave, please."
"Don't stop me, Max. This is what you want, right?"
"No, Carrie. I want us to talk about everything. I-I feel so guilty. I didn't know you and Stacey were hurting this much."
I turned back, my eyes meeting his. "Maximus, if you're truly guilty, then face the consequences. There's nothing left to talk about. It's pointless to keep repeating ourselves if you still don't understand."
"Max, don't stop her. Let her run away." Lalaina reached out to Max, urging him to let me go.