Once she came back, she could have went on to live her life and leave this behind. Leave the Mikaelson’s behind, aside from Hope of course – but even if she wanted to ( she didn’t ) she couldn’t. She loved them, and even though death was around every corner, she’s fought way too hard for this family to just leave. “Why’s that?” Hayley asks, keeping her attention on Elijah. It was good to see him again, memories attached and all. She couldn’t begin to explain the relief she felt when he recognized her moments ago. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, if I’m honest.”
Elijah, always the sturdy original, took a moment to collect his thoughts before he spoke. “I, still to this day, haven’t recovered from your death. Niklaus and I...” He looked down, unable to keep her gaze. “We both died with broken hearts. I could have saved you- I could have prevented Hope all of that pain.” His voice quaked ever so slightly but it was enough for Hayley (who knew him well enough) to tell.