I didn’t follow.
The next morning, I sent one message apologizing and offering to repay her travel expenses and lost wages.
She replied that she’d cover her own costs and needed space.
I respected her decision.
Then I admitted everything to my parents.
Mom began, “Well, at least you know she wasn’t after your money.”
“She spent five days trying to save my life. I spent five days deciding she wanted my money.”
Dad insisted I’d merely been protecting myself.
“I could’ve been cautious without lying to her.”
Neither parent argued.
I began seeing a counselor.
Weeks passed before Skyla finally contacted me.
Coffee? Our old diner. Saturday.
She looked well when she arrived.
We discussed her classes and Meryl before she eventually set down her cup.
“Do you still think I’d have left if you really were sick?”
“No.”
She watched me carefully.
