"I just don't want to talk to anybody." Softly, gently. "Not even you."

He tried to hold her but felt the reluctance in her body. He has struggled so hard to understand. He has got to understand her feelings as well as his own. His struggle differs from hers. He finally figured that out.

They have gone through so many quarrels. With each other. With the universe. Winning some. Losing some. It is not over.

"I'll be here," she accepts. "You'll be gone."

She turns aways. Her body shrinks.

"I'll be the one left to grieve."

It has already started.