If there was any way in particular that would make her take the words back, she would have done so. But it was too late. She had already said it to his face, as if it were a proper word to say.
"No!" Madeline cried out, clutching her chest and gently trying to suppress the rapid thudding within it. "Heavens, what have I done?"
Tears streamed down her face like a waterfall, staining her nightdress. Her hair cascaded around her, some strands resting on her face, but she paid them no mind to push them away.
"What have I done?" she hiccupped, her tears straining her voice and vision. Why had she said those words to him? It was his expression that shattered everything. Madeline couldn't bear to witness the loneliness in his eyes after those bitter words left her lips.
