"It's impossible for me to be with her. I just care about her as a friend. As you know, she is sick."
He held my hand, squeezing it gently. I knew I couldn't break free from his grip, so I didn't resist.
"So, please don't leave me, okay?"
He whispered in my ear and buried his head in my neck.
His surrender shook my resolve to break up with him.
Indeed, she was just a stalker, so why should I be afraid of her?
Why should I be afraid that she would steal Maurice from me?
I shouldn't dwell on it.
Maurice made my favorite breakfast and repeatedly coaxed me to eat more.
He seemed to be willing to get busy in the kitchen as usual just to make me eat a few more bites.
11
Tina didn't show up for the next few days. I thought she had given up.
But that night, when it was pouring rain outside, she turned up on our doorstep.
She got drenched, pale. She seemed miserable, but there was nothing miserable about her.
"Is Maury here? He is here, isn't he? Maury, why didn't you answer my call?
"It's raining heavily outside. Maury, can I stay at your place for a while?"
Every word she said was about Maurice, but she never even spared a glance at me standing in front of her.