(Amara)“Do you have to return?”Maya sets the glass of juice down on the table, her voice softer this time, almost careful.I don’t answer immediately. I just reach for the glass and take a slow sip, letting the coldness settle against the tightness in my chest.“I mean…” she continues, curling her legs beneath herself on the couch. “You can go back to living the way you used to. We can return to Pittsburgh and start afresh again. Me and you. Just the both of us.”I lower the glass slowly into my lap.“That’s not possible, Maya.”“Why?” she asks quickly, shifting closer. “You have a place to stay in Pittsburgh, remember? We can—”“Even then,” I cut in quietly, lifting my eyes to hers, “I can’t return to that life anymore. I already made a promise to return.”“But—”“No buts, Maya.” My voice comes out firmer this time. “You should understand why I have to do this. Besides, my condition was accepted and I think it’s time I go back already. After everything that has happened, it’s just…
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