60

Her words felt like a hammer struck my heart. “Are you crazy?” I couldn’t believe I was saying that to her.

“This is not about being crazy. It’s what’s needed. I’ve thought about it long and hard, and the only conclusion is that it’ll be selfish of me to stay with you, knowing what’s to come.” Tears started streaming down her face.

“We’ll face it together. That’s the point of marriage. Together, in good and bad times. Our marriage vows were not for the sake of showoff.”

“That’s cliché.” She sniffled. “Tristan, please, we’re not characters in a movie or a book. This is not a matter of whether we can fight this together. It’s reality, and we need to face it. I’m heading for destruction, that’s for sure, but I’m not pulling you down with me.” She held my hands. “I love you so much, and this is the best choice.” The pang in my heart was starting to feel like a burning sensation, irritated that she could think of such.

I yanked my hands from her grip, rising to my feet. “Stop with this ‘I’