know you’re going to leave once Alexei returns and it’s safe for you to travel.” How am I supposed to go through life blindly after seeing the brilliance of her smile? I can’t keep the tears from falling as I ask, “Can you look at me like I’m not a monster… just one last time? Can you remember the happy times we shared? Can you remember how it felt when I made love to you? That I’m not all bad?” Hailey pulls a little back and wipes the tears from her cheeks. She closes her eyes and takes a couple of deep breaths. “Can you smile at me one last time?” My body shudders, and I blink the tears away
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