Even hurt, I couldn't disobey him. Even with him hurt, I accepted his comfort. He pulled me into his arms, pulling me onto his lap. His hand found mine, closing around them and squeezing.

"I tried. I thought maybe he was right, but he wasn't. Thinking about my future, about my days without you in it, it hurt worse than this ever could." He waved to his face. "I love you, Oz. I meant that; tell me that you love me too. Tell me that you want me here as much as I want to be here, and I promise that he won't keep me away from you."

"I do."...