It was such a terribly human thing. To give a small comfort with one hand, then to leave you raw and hurting with the other. The force of her words staggered him as much as any physical blow.

He looked at her mournfully. "No. It wasn't all right. I tried, Rose. I fought so hard. I talked, I threatened, I begged, I screamed.. and it was all for nothing. I had to end it. I couldn't let the whole of creation get dragged into the war and lost forever."

"I can't ask you to understand. It's too much, and I won't tell you all of it. There are some things that should stay buried," he tried giving her an affectionate smile and started for the door. His hands were shaking, he was shaking all over. He had to get out of there. He couldn't breathe..