“I love you, Kya, you know that. You’ve known it for a long time.” “You left me like all the others,” she said. “I will never leave you again.” “I know,” she said. “Kya, do you love me? You’ve never spoken those words to me.” “I’ve always loved you. Even as a child—in a time I don’t remember—I already loved you.” She dipped her head. “Look at me,” he said gently. She hesitated, face downcast. “Kya, I need to know that the running and hiding are over. That you can love without being afraid.”
