“I only came because I want to understand. You were lonely? You were using me?” “No. We’re friends … and sparring partners. That’s what we always have been … and still are.” “You didn’t make it feel like that,” he snapped. “Or at least, you gave me the impression it might be more someday.” “I’m sorry.” “This hurts,” he said wonderingly, as if he couldn’t have imagined the feeling before I inflicted it on him. “I didn’t mean to.” He laughed, a bitter sound. “That’s all right, then.” Stalker climbed halfway through the window, just about done with the conversation—and me. But he turned for a
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