"I'm sorry... it was the only way I could think of," he said, his tone downcast as his gaze fell to the ground. His voice carried a weight of guilt, each word sinking deeper into the silence between them. She reached for his hands without hesitation, gripping them tightly. Her expression was serious, though the tears streaking her face betrayed the fragile facade of toughness she tried to maintain.
"No… it's not your fault. I… you did what you thought was right. I'm the one to blame for this. I brought you into this mess," she said, her voice quivering. More tears began to spill, cascading down her cheeks as her composure finally broke. "I… I'm so sorry," was all she could manage before she collapsed into a wailing mess, her sobs shaking her small frame.
