Finally, she stopped trying to deny it. Backing away a step, then two, she slapped a hand over her mouth to try to stifle the scream that tore from her throat as her legs gave out and she collapsed.

I caught her before she hit the balcony, gathering her up in my arms and carrying her to one of the chairs. Sitting her on my lap, I held her tight, but even I couldn't contain the explosion of grief that burst from her. Her sobs wracked through me, her entire body convulsing violently with each one, a slave to her heartbreak. I rubbed her back and let her cry. She...