He pressed close to Célestin, leaning his shoulder against him. “You did what was right for you, you can’t blame yourself for that.” He said solemnly, his eyes lingering on the mound of dirt. “She didn’t get worse because you left, I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to feel that way.” He explained, his heart throbbing dully for his friend. Without another word he lifted his head and placed his chin gently on his companion’s forehead.
“If you had stayed, I never would have left.” He said quietly, his eyes closing slowly as the truth of his words flowed out of him. “I don’t know if I could ever live without you.” He said, just above a whisper, feeling the burden of his secret begin to lift from his shoulders. “I can never lose you Célestin.” He hesitated, feeling the next words stick to the roof of his mouth and willing them to finally be spoken. “I love you…”
