Chapter Text
maybe it's better this way, we'd hurt each other with the things we want to say.
“If you walk out of this room, you’ll never see me again.”
Bruno’s shoulders slumped, his hands still lingering on the cold doorknob and your words echoing in his head like a curse. The air felt stale and heavy, the sand had never felt that way before. He counted the seconds passing by, as if it was going to change something, as if you would suddenly be happy with his choice. Was it so hard for you to understand?
“You promised,” your voice cracked. “You promised. ”
“I know,” he whispered back, as if the words wouldn’t hurt as much delivered that way. “I know and I’m sorry.”
"I don't want apologies, I want you to stay," you gritted your teeth. "Am I not enough? Are we not enough?"
He almost turned around to face you but he knew that if he did, he would never leave so instead he swallowed hard and took a deep breath, picturing the forest and its sounds. If he really focused he could almost hear the water running, the birds chirping and a distant melody, you singing your song, but it barely lasted a second before the illusion was broken by your sobs. Each one of them wrecked Bruno's soul, he already knew that he would never be able to hear something else.
"You are vile, Bruno Madrigal," you hiccuped. "You are a coward."
The words stung but he didn't let it show, it was easier for you to hate him, it would keep you safe, all of you safe. You could paint him as a villain if needed, he didn't care, as long as you were alright and nothing could hurt you. Maybe if you had paid more attention maybe you would have seen him shaking or clenching his fists under his ruana, maybe it would have painted Bruno in another light but you were far too gone to see anything but the love of your life walking away with nothing you could do about it.
"I love you."
You called his name but there was no one there to hear.