Chapter 34: Part 2: Chapter 34: A heart ripped apart

His pleasure was short-lived when realization dawned on him. She showed no reaction. She did not share his feelings. Big, scared eyes looked at him from a tear-stained face. Her soft wet lips showed no emotion.

"I am sorry, Tau."

Quietly he let her go. She fell to the floor, tried to speak, but words failed as he left her on the ground.

The overpowering need to escape made him blind for Sonia. Overwhelmed with defeat, he changed into an old man. His joy turned into ash. His world had fallen with one sweep to the dust and filtered away. He had nothing else to give.

A simple truth stuck. He was not good enough.

The next morning Sonia entered the medic tent, worried. The previous evening's event was still fresh. Last night she caused pain in someone else's life.

He was not at her door.