always.

“Then I have no will to live. Life is purposeless, meaningless.” He ran his hands through his perfect hair and looked dejectedly away.

She struggled to keep any signs of laughter from her face. “Really, now, Gregory, that is unfair. I had no idea—”

“No idea?” he interrupted her, standing up and taking her hands into his. “Geneve, I thought I made it perfectly clear from the Winter Ball that I had every intention of asking you,” he said, peering into her eyes.

“Darling—”, his eyes looked hopeful as the name of endearment slipped out. “I mean, Gregory,” she said, pulling her hands and taking a few steps closer to the window. Being sensitive to a longing heart was much more difficult than she had imagined. “I had no inkling that you could possibly have wanted to ask me that question.” She looked outside into the night sky. The thousands of stars cast an enchanting glow over the little lane that was a little ways off from the cottage.

“How about I start again?” he asked, as he instinctively moved closer to her. “Dear Geneve, you mean everything to me. You are the world – terrible and beautiful, ruthless and kind. You are the strongest person I know – I’ve never seen you cry or break down. You taught me the joys of loving and giving and hoping. Won’t you let me receive – just this one time?” As he gave this last request, he took her hands in his once more.

She looked into his eyes. They were clearly full of love, clearly full of every good intention, but, alas, they lacked what she needed most. Sparkle.

She sighed. Not answering him, she walked towards the large box on the small table. Opening it, she took out the ring that lit up the lackluster room. It was gorgeous. But, even more than that, it was an expression of the progress that Gregory had made. He had gone from a boy who couldn’t dare to dream above his situation to a young man who would work hard to get what he wanted. Unfortunately, she couldn’t say yes, though she loved him dearly still. She knew that the previous heartache that she had helped to heal would be nothing compared to the heartbreak that he would feel after tonight. Only the knowledge that he was strong enough gave her the courage to turn to him.

“Greg.” His eyes had never left her. She took a breath and continued, “Gregory darling, you know I care for you – deeply and truly. Remember that, always. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to bear the sight of me after we part ways tonight, however, I want you to know that this cottage will always be open to you. Always.”

Pleading. Hurt. Anger. The emotions displayed on his face would haunt her for the days to come. He started to speak, but then stopped. She closed the gap between them, put the ring in his hands, and briefly touched her lips to his cheek. “There, there, darling. Always remember.”

As she stepped back, his ruffled emotions won out over any concern for her feelings. Harsh words were spoken. She took it gently, not saying anything in defense. He ended by accusing her of being heartless and emotionless – devoid of the ability to cry because she couldn’t love.

She didn’t move as he walked away from her. She didn’t stop him when he put the ring back on the table. She didn’t say a word when he left the cottage. But, when he was gone, she walked towards the door and stood in the entrance of the little abode. As she stood there, the stars were reflected in a sparkle on her finger and there... on her cheek.