Reject

“I can’t do this.” Ethan steps backward.

“Huh, oh…” Alex sighs, looking disappointed, but not devastated. “Hm. Worth a shot, oh well, I’ll still accept begging.”

She doesn't understand.

“No, no…” Ethan sighs, shaking his head. “I mean I can't do… this.”

Alex blinks, understanding starting to set in. “W-What? But I thought…”

“I’m sorry.” Ethan turns, ready to walk off the porch.

He only makes it a few feet before Alex calls after him, dashing onto the porch and cutting him off. “Ethan! Wait! Hold on, I was only teasing! I forgive you!”

“I know,” Ethan sighs, shrugging his shoulders. “But… I thought I could do this but I… I can’t.”

Alex’s eyes glisten, tears building up quickly. “But…” they roll down her cheeks. “You came all the way over here to say that?”

Ethan hardens his heart. Taking a second he collects himself before delivering what he hopes to be his last cruel word. “Please move.”

She does, turning away from Ethan.

Walking down the steps, she musters a final plea. “Please…”

He leaves.

Ethan made a choice.

Walking home, he leaves Alex behind,

Broken-hearted.