"We're through," you say with a shrug.
Pearl whips around to look at you. "Wait, what?"
"We're through," you repeat. "Over. I can't do this anymore."
"Yeah," she says quietly. "I guess you're right. Things aren't that great between us anymore. Maybe they haven't been for a while, and I just didn't want to see it?" Pearl looks up at you for confirmation, but doesn't wait for a response—or maybe she can tell from the look on your face that she's right.
Pearl levers herself up off of the steps. "I'm going for a run." Even though her head is held high and her broad shoulders are squared, she doesn't meet your eyes; she's looking at a spot above your head. "I'll be back later."
You know she will be; she has a job to do, and she'll be back when it's time to do it.
But for now, Pearl pounds down the path at a hard run, trying to get away from her feelings. And from you.
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