"I can't stay here," Sam told her, grabbing his bag again and shaking his head. "I can't. I can't drag this special occasion out anymore because I honestly can't take it. Everything hurts right now."

For the first time, there was actually the sound of tears in his own voice. He hastily wiped a hand across his eyes. "You were honest with me and I appreciate that. But, here's me being honest with you: you should have told me. You shouldn't have lied. And you know that when I'd say I'd make more of an effort, be here more, you know I mean that so having all of that completely shot down as not enough? It hurts."