"... How? How, Jack? How could you..?" she couldn't finish as she brought a hand up to cover her mouth.

"Helen, I never meant to. I was stupid. It was a mistake. I've been a fucking mess these past couple days because of it..." Didn't sound like enough from my end either. I longed for this woman more than anything. I wanted to comfort her. To ease any pain. I reached out and held her shoulders.

"Helen... I love you."

She swatted my hands away as if my touch burned her.

"Don't."

"Helen..."

"Go, Jack. You have a flight to catch."

I knew I was pushing my luck on both...