God. That had to have made it worse, knowing he'd hurt the person he was trying to protect even though leaving was the only thing to do. Sonia's chest tightens a little as the thought occurred to her that perhaps that's been a magnifier. Maybe that was what had made his guilt over what he thought was failing her so impenetrable.

"I know." Her voice is small, and she tucks her chin against her knees, wrapping both arms around her legs. She closes her eyes. "I know. I do."