"they say if you love someone
set them free
and if they are truly yours
they will come back"

she paused to take him in watching his chest lay still as he held his breath waiting for her words

"i tried that
i let you go
and nothing hurt more than that
but you're still here
and i'm not sure if that's good or bad
because i think i'm still holding you back"

her voice started to crack but his expression never did

"i love you
but i'm setting you free
and i want you
but you don't have to come back to me"

s.s