Faraway Wilds
I spoke softly, my voice nearly drowned out by the rain, "Brandon, do you really think that if you say a few nice words, I'll react the way I used to? That I'll cry, feel touched, and follow you home?"
Brandon froze. "Ashley, I mean it..."
"Your sincerity is too cheap." I cut him off. There wasn't the slightest ripple in my voice.
"And there's something else you still haven't understood. I didn't leave because I was angry with you. I didn't leave so that all of you would come begging me to come back.
"I left because I don't need any of you anymore."
Brandon's body stiffened. Rainwater ran down his pale face like tears. "Ashley..."