They stood together, on a balcony overlooking the stars.

“This is…” he began, glancing towards her. She leaned on the railing, smiling a little.

“You don’t need to. Just let it go, and let it form itself.” She glanced back at him, the same smile on her face, a little sad. “It won’t be like it was. Ever, I think. We can’t be… friends again, like that.”

He sighed, chewing on his lip. “I’d like to… I’d like to protect you. I’d like for you to be able to come to me.”

She stood and leaned her back to the railing, away from the night. “I’m flattered. But it won’t happen. I love you still, as I love all my friends, but… I can’t forget this. I can’t…” she stopped and looked at him.

I don’t want to hurt you.

“I can’t trust you.”

He turned from her, into the night. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head and placed her hand on his shoulder for a moment. “I know. I’m not mad at you.” Glancing towards the stars, “I’m sorry too.”

Awakened to her dark room, she groped for the light. Giving up, she got out of bed and felt her way towards the window, opened it, and crawled outside onto the roof. She closed the window behind her and leaned against it, staring at the stars.

A smile formed on her face, still sad. Still, she felt her memories of him pressing against her mind, threatening to break loose at any moment and strangle her. But her fingers lingered at her neck, on her own skin.

“You’re beautiful.” She whispered. She could believe it now, believe it from herself. He’d given her that, at least.

Independence, and caution… and love. For a short time, at least, he’d given her love.

“Thank you.”

Tears formed, and ran, but she didn’t notice, didn’t care. There, in the night, on her own, she curled up and gave herself warmth, and slept under the watchful gaze of no one but the stars.