"It's not my secret to tell, Marli. Please don't force me to tell you that."
I can't bear to break the trust Pop had in me when she confided her secrets to me.
"Trust me, I hate seeing what's happening now, but I can't tell you this."
No matter what it takes, I must protect Pop's secrets.
It's my duty as a friend to make sure my other friend's secrets are well guarded.
"Can't you tell me a titbit of it? I promise I won't tell her you told me."
"I'm afraid, I can't do that."
No matter how much I want them to get together, I will respect Pop's wish to keep this a secret.
It's hers to tell, and not mine.
"Why?" Marli sounded hurt.
"I'm sorry, Marli. Believe me, I so badly want to tell you this, but I can't do that."
"Okay." Marli rose from the bench, "I will take my leave now. Call me if you need anything."
"I'm sorry, Marli. I would have loved to tell you about this."
