Felix couldn't stay away forever. One afternoon, he
bumped into Debbie at a bookstore, their eyes locking across the aisle.
"Felix," she said, her voice tinged with surprise.
"Debbie," he replied, offering her a small smile. "Youlook… well."
She hesitated, guilt flashing in her eyes. "I've been…okay."
He nodded, though he could see the truth in her tired expression. "How's Pasco?"
Debbie shifted uncomfortably. "He's… fine. We're fine."
Felix tilted his head, studying her. "Are you really?"
She opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, unable to find the words.
"Debbie," Felix said softly, stepping closer. "You don't have to settle for 'fine.' You deserve more than that."
Her throat tightened, and for a moment, she
considered pouring out everything—the doubts, the frustration, the lingering pain Pasco had caused. But instead, she forced a smile.
"I appreciate that, Felix. I really do," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Felix nodded, his heart breaking all over again. He
wanted to fight for her, but he knew it wasn't his place.Not anymore.
As Debbie walked away, Felix watched her go, silently vowing to be there if she ever needed him.