The Longest Ride

by Nicholas Sparks

“Then don’t ride,” she said. “Because if you do, then I can’t be part of your life. I’m not going to be able to pretend you’re not trying to kill yourself. Because I’d feel like I was condoning it somehow. I just can’t do that.” Luke could feel his throat close up, making it difficult to speak. “Are you saying you don’t want to see me anymore?” With his question, Sophia thought again about how much the tension had drained her, and she realized there were no tears left. “I love you, Luke. But I can’t be part of this. I can’t spend every minute that I’m with you wondering whether you’ll live through the weekend. And I can’t bear to imagine what it’s going to be like if you don’t.” “So it’s over?” “Yes,” she said. “If you continue to ride, it’s over.”