my eyes. "You should drink this," he said. "You sound awful." The gesture was so out of character, so unlike the coldness of the

e away, get what he wanted, and then feel a pang of guilt. The guilt would lead to a small gesture of kindness, a peace offering, just enough to keep me from leaving, just e

, strong and hot, just how he liked it. This was the tea of a stranger, a clumsy attempt by someone who didn't know me at all. The tast

have to take this," he said, already walking toward the bedroom and closing the door behind him. I didn't need to hear the voice on the other

ss and heartbreak. I needed certainty. I needed to face the truth, on my own terms. I pulled out my phone and found the number for the clinic.