Chapter 12: Words said in a moment of passion are still true

              Penelope

              He didn’t say it back. I mean, I didn’t expect him to, and I was so exhausted that I blurted it out without a thought. However, I can’t pretend that I didn’t mean what I said. I’m in love with him. Of course, I should have chosen a better venue to say it. Or even waited a while longer, but I can’t deny that I felt it. However, in the light of day, all I feel is regret. And it’s only worse because he’s not lying next to me this morning. Over the past several weeks, he has made sure to wake up next to me or wake me up before he goes, but he didn’t this time.

              Heart in my throat, I swallow down my trepidation, rise from the bed, and reach for my dress. I’m not sure that I