this was her fault && she knew that. he was lying there hurt && broken, because she caused this. she told him to stay away from her, that no matter what he thought of her━ she was still trouble, but he just wouldn’t listen. he showed up && there was nothing she could do to stop what unfolded in front of her. he just got caught up in her own evil plan. he’s asking her to stay && she can’t even make the move to walk over to him. she stands in the doorway, sure to stay a safe distance from him && after today━ right now, she’d never go near him again. “i can’t.” is her response, before she makes her way out to the hall, back turned towards him. he’s asking her again && it’s then that she faces him, revealing her tears. how could he still want her after what he knew? after what happened to him? “ben, how can you still want me to stay? you’re here, in the hospital because i was stupid. i knew what could happen━ what would happen if i continued on with my mother’s plans && i still did it. i lied to you, to evie━ to everyone. i love you, too. i do. i wasn’t lying when i said you made me happy, but this? us? i can’t do it anymore. i love you enough to let you go, because i need you to be safe. i need you, even if it’s not in my life to keep you safe. i just need you alive. i love you, ben, but that’s why i’m letting you go. i’m setting you free. live your life without me. i’m not what you need. i’m not what you should want && i can’t be what you love. goodbye, ben.”
