Childe looked at Annie, almost like he was dazed. He didn't cry, but his eyes were watering, and then the expression in his eyes lightened a little, but he did not smile. "Why would you say that?" he asked. "We are supposed to get married. Do you remember? I want you in my life." He glanced at his watch. "I have to go, but I'll be back. Okay!"
Annie nodded, her expression unchanged. Then Childe turned and left. He refused to look back at her, but a voice in his head kept saying, 'No, you can't. Keep your eyes looking straight ahead.' After a long pause, he sighed and then looked back. The guilt slithered through him as he saw the disappointment showing on her face. "I have to stay focused," he whispered to himself. The pang of guilt creeps in like an evil fog.